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Prosecutors informed the tribunal that police had valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's mobile held material relevant to terrorist activities when they stopped him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Provide Phone Password

The far-right activist, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly refused to hand over his phone pin to officers, stating it contained journalist content.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are designed to permit information collection. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to believe Robinson continued to have links to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for holding those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his phone there could be information pertaining to terrorist acts,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

Morris continued, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their attention on 28 July. It was his association to others who are potentially involved in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The activist had turned up by himself at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was traveling to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial heard.

The funds was said to have been from a donation drive to offset costs from organizing a large demonstration that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Submissions

Robinson, who denies failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on 28 July last year, faces up to three months in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.

His barrister, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who stopped his client had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to testimony from police who stated they called “partner agencies” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer claimed this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to indicate his client was a security threat.

He asserted the officers’ intervention was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He stated that the main factor” on the choice to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to find out details that was previously available. The barrister proposed that his client traveled to the resort frequently, which ought to have lessened the police suspicions about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

The activist stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an supporter of the far-right activist and lately spoke at a gathering arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense said Robinson was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government from the midweek and would not come back until 25 October.

{“I wouldn’t trouble you if this was a trip to Benidorm. I would ask him to rearrange it but he is a guest of a foreign government,” said Williamson.

Goozee said he would deliver his ruling on the morning of 4 November.