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Legal representatives informed the tribunal that police maintained valid concerns indicating Tommy Robinson's phone contained information related to terrorist activities when they detained him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Phone Pin

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

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the last day of the trial, prosecutor Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are designed to allow information collection. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to think the defendant still have connections to right-wing groups, even following the dissolution of the EDL organization.

“Although his affiliation of the EDL has come to an end, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there could be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she told the court.

The prosecutor added, His opinions – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are possibly involved in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court was told.

The funds was said to have been from a donation drive to cover expenses from organizing a large demonstration that took place the previous day in a London landmark.

Defense Arguments

Robinson, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the incident on July 28 last year, faces up to 90 days in jail or a potential £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who detained his client had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to evidence from officers who said they called “partner agencies” after detaining Robinson, Williamson claimed this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to indicate his defendant was a security threat.

He asserted the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an special authority that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that his client journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

The activist stated that his court expenses in the case were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an ally of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed date of next Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson explained Robinson was scheduled to be a guest of the Israeli government from Wednesday 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 the barrister.

The judge said he would deliver his ruling on the start of 4 November.