Officers Thought Tommy Robinson Possessed Terrorist Information on Phone, Trial Told.

Prosecutors told the tribunal that police maintained valid concerns indicating Tommy Robinson's mobile contained material relevant to terrorist activities when they detained him last year as he tried to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Pin

The far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to hand over his password to police, stating it included journalist content.” This happened after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the last day of the trial, state lawyer the prosecution stated that the anti-terror authorities used by police are intended to permit intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to believe the defendant still have links to far-right activists, even after the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is known for having those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his telephone there could be information pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

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

Circumstances of the Stop

The campaigner had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial heard.

The funds was said to have been from a collection to offset costs from arranging a large demonstration that took place the previous day in a London landmark.

Legal Team Submissions

Robinson, who disputes non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the encounter on 28 July of the previous year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

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

Citing testimony from police who said they contacted “partner agencies” after arresting him, the defense lawyer claimed this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been presented from the security service to suggest his defendant was a security threat.

He asserted the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the main factor” on the decision to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that Robinson traveled to the resort regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

The activist claimed 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 emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and recently spoke at a rally organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense said his client was scheduled 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 deliver his verdict on the start of 4 November.