Officers Thought Tommy Robinson Possessed Terrorism-Related Information on Phone, Trial Told.

Legal representatives informed the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's mobile held material relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Provide Phone Password

The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly refused to hand over his password to officers, claiming it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Authority

On the last day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are intended to allow information collection. She claimed that police had valid grounds to think Robinson continued to have links to right-wing groups, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

“Although his affiliation of the English Defence League has come to an end, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for holding those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there could be information pertaining to terrorist acts,” she informed the court.

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

Circumstances of the Detention

The activist had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a friend and was on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to cover costs from organizing a major rally that took place the day before in a London landmark.

Legal Team Submissions

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

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

Referring to testimony from police who said they contacted “partner agencies” after arresting Robinson, Williamson claimed this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been offered from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a security threat.

Williamson said the officers’ intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the choice to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that police had used an special authority that must be carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was previously available. The barrister proposed that Robinson journeyed to the resort regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

The activist claimed that his court expenses in the case were being covered by the tech billionaire, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an ally of the far-right activist and lately spoke at a rally arranged by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed day of the following Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the district judge, the judge, after the defense said his client was scheduled to be a guest 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 the barrister.

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