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Legal representatives told the court that police maintained reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's mobile held material related to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.

Denial to Provide Device Password

The right-wing campaigner, whose real name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly declined to provide his password to police, stating it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the last day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities used by law enforcement are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had reasonable suspicion to believe the defendant still have connections to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the English Defence League has come to an end, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there could be information relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

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

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial heard.

The funds was said to have been from a donation drive to offset costs from arranging a major rally that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

The defendant, who denies failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on 28 July last year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 penalty if convicted.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing evidence from police who stated they contacted other organizations” after detaining him, the defense lawyer claimed this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to indicate his client was a terrorist.

He said the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the choice to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He noted that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out information that was already known. Williamson suggested that Robinson journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

Robinson stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and lately spoke at a gathering organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said his client was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israel's administration 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,” stated the barrister.

Goozee announced he would deliver his ruling on the morning of 4 November.