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Prosecutors told the tribunal that police had valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's phone held information related to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Provide Phone Password

The far-right activist, whose real name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to provide his phone pin to officers, stating it contained journalist content.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are intended to permit information collection. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson still have connections to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his membership of the EDL has ceased, his views have not gone away. He is recognized for having those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his phone there could be data relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

Morris continued, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their attention on July 28. It was his association to others who are potentially engaged in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

The activist had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a friend and was on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to cover costs from organizing a major rally that occurred the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on 28 July last year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who detained Robinson had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to testimony from police who said they contacted other organizations” after arresting Robinson, Williamson claimed this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to suggest his client was a security threat.

He said the police intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the main factor” on the decision to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover information that was previously available. The barrister proposed that his client journeyed to Benidorm regularly, which should have reduced the police concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an ally of the campaigner and lately addressed a gathering organized by him in London via a livestream.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense said Robinson was due to be a guest of the Israeli government from Wednesday 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,” stated the barrister.

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