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Prosecutors told the tribunal that police had valid concerns indicating Tommy Robinson's mobile contained material relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Pin

The far-right activist, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to hand over his phone pin to police, claiming it contained journalist content.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are intended to permit information collection. She asserted that police had valid grounds to think Robinson still have links to right-wing groups, even after the dissolution of the EDL organization.

“Although his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not gone away. He is recognized for having those views and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there may be information pertaining to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

The prosecutor added, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their attention on 28 July. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially involved in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The campaigner had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was on his way to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

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

Defense Arguments

The defendant, who denies non-compliance with anti-terror laws during the incident on July 28 of the previous year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who stopped his client had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to testimony from officers who stated they called other organizations” after arresting Robinson, Williamson claimed this was a allusion to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to indicate his client was a security threat.

He said the officers’ action was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the main factor” on the decision to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He noted that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover details that was previously available. Williamson suggested that his client traveled to the resort frequently, which should have lessened the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

Robinson stated 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 appeared as an ally of the campaigner and lately spoke at a rally organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, the judge, after the defense said his client was due to be a guest of the Israel's administration from the midweek 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.

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