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Prosecutors informed the court that police had valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's mobile contained information relevant to terrorist activities when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Device Pin

The far-right activist, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly refused to hand over his phone pin to officers, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Claims on Anti-Terror Authority

On the last day of the proceedings, prosecutor Jo Morris stated that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson continued to have connections to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his affiliation of the EDL has come to an end, his views have not gone away. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his phone there may be data relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed the court.

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

Details of the Detention

The activist had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial was told.

The money was reportedly from a donation drive to cover costs from arranging a major rally that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

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 jail or a potential £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who detained Robinson had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing testimony from police who stated they contacted other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the security services and that no evidence had been offered from MI5 to suggest his client was a terrorist.

Williamson asserted the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a protected characteristic.” He stated that the main factor” on the choice to stop him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out information that was previously available. Williamson suggested that Robinson journeyed to the resort regularly, which should have lessened the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an ally of the far-right activist and recently addressed a rally arranged by him in London via a livestream.

A proposed date of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, the judge, 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 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,” said the barrister.

Goozee said he would deliver his verdict on the start of 4 November.