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Prosecutors told the tribunal that police had valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's phone contained information related to terrorist activities when they stopped him last year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly declined to provide his phone pin to officers, stating it included “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the proceedings, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson continued to have connections to right-wing groups, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there could be data pertaining to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

The prosecutor added, “His beliefs – to which he is entitled – were not the subject for their attention on July 28. It was his association to others who are potentially involved in prohibited activities.”

Details of the Detention

The campaigner had turned up alone 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 carry-on, the trial heard.

The money was said to have been from a collection to offset costs from arranging a major rally that took place the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

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

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing evidence from officers who said they contacted other organizations” after detaining him, Williamson claimed this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to suggest his client was a terrorist.

He said the officers’ 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 detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He noted that police had used an special authority that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to discover details that was previously available. The barrister suggested that his client journeyed to the resort regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Date

The activist stated that his court expenses in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and recently addressed a rally arranged by him in London via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of next Tuesday for the decision was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after Williamson explained Robinson was scheduled to be a guest of the Israel's administration from Wednesday and would not come back 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 Williamson.

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