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Legal representatives informed the tribunal that law enforcement had valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's mobile held material related to terrorist activities when they stopped him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Password

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly refused to provide his phone pin to police, claiming it included “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the last day of the proceedings, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the counter-terrorism powers employed by police are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson continued to have connections to right-wing groups, even following the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his phone there may be information pertaining to terrorist acts,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

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

Details of the Detention

The activist had arrived by himself at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial was told.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to cover expenses from organizing a major rally that occurred the previous day in a London landmark.

Legal Team Arguments

The defendant, who disputes non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the encounter on 28 July of the previous year, faces up to 90 days in jail or a possible £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His barrister, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing testimony from police who stated they contacted “partner agencies” after detaining him, Williamson claimed this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been presented from MI5 to indicate his defendant was a terrorist.

Williamson said the police action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the decision to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be carefully regulated” to try to discover information that was already known. The barrister suggested that Robinson traveled to the resort frequently, which ought to have reduced the police suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Date

The activist stated that his legal costs in the case 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 lately spoke at a rally arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.

A proposed day of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson said his client was due to be a invitee of the Israeli government from the midweek and would not return 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,” stated the barrister.

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