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Prosecutors informed the court that law enforcement had valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's phone contained material relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Provide Device Password

The far-right activist, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly refused to provide his password to officers, stating it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are intended to allow information collection. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to believe Robinson continued to have links to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not gone away. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there may be data relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.

The prosecutor continued, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially engaged in illegal actions.”

Details of the Stop

The activist had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to cover costs from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the previous day in a London landmark.

Legal Team Arguments

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

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who detained Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from police who said they contacted other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer claimed this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from the security service to indicate his defendant was a terrorist.

Williamson said the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He said that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He noted that police had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to find out details that was already known. The barrister suggested that Robinson traveled to Benidorm frequently, which should have lessened the police suspicions about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an ally of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering organized by him in London via a livestream.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense explained his client was due to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from Wednesday 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 said he would deliver his ruling on the start of 4 November.