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Legal representatives informed the court that law enforcement had valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's phone contained information relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Password

The far-right activist, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to provide his phone pin to officers, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are designed to permit information collection. She claimed that police had valid grounds to think the defendant still have connections to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the EDL has come to an end, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his telephone there may be information pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

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

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had arrived by himself at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a friend and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.

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

Defense Submissions

The defendant, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the encounter on 28 July last year, could receive up to 90 days in jail or a potential £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to evidence from police who stated they called “partner agencies” after detaining him, Williamson claimed this was a allusion to the security services and that no evidence had been presented from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a terrorist.

He said the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He said that the main factor” on the decision to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He noted that police had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to discover information that was previously available. The barrister suggested that his client journeyed to the resort frequently, which should have reduced the police suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Timing

Robinson claimed that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and lately spoke at a gathering organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A suggested day of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson said Robinson was scheduled to be a guest of the Israel's administration from the midweek and would not come back until October 25.

{“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 hand down his verdict on the morning of 4 November.