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Legal representatives told the court that law enforcement maintained valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's mobile contained information relevant to terrorist activities when they stopped him last year as he tried to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Device Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly declined to hand over his password 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 Authority

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities used by police are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had valid grounds to think Robinson continued to have links to right-wing groups, even after the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the EDL has come to an end, his views have not disappeared. He is known for having those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his phone there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” 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 association to individuals who are possibly involved in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

The activist had arrived by himself at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial heard.

The money was said to have been from a collection to cover costs from arranging a major rally that took place the previous day in a London landmark.

Legal Team Submissions

The defendant, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the incident on July 28 last year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

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

Citing evidence from police who said they called “partner agencies” after detaining him, Williamson said this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to indicate his client was a security threat.

He said the officers’ intervention was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the choice to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an special authority that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was already known. Williamson proposed that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have lessened the police concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

Robinson claimed that his court expenses in the proceedings were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and recently addressed a rally arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, the judge, after the defense explained his client was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government from the midweek and would not return 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.

The judge announced he would hand down his ruling on the start of 4 November.