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Legal representatives told the court that police maintained reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's mobile held material relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Device Password

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly refused to provide his password to officers, stating it contained journalist content.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor Jo Morris stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are intended to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had reasonable suspicion to think the defendant still have links to far-right activists, even following the dissolution of the English Defence League (EDL).

While his affiliation of the EDL has come to an end, his beliefs have not gone away. He is known for holding those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his phone there could be data relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed the court.

Morris continued, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to others who are potentially involved in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of Benidorm with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial was told.

The money was said to have been from a collection to offset expenses from arranging a large demonstration that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Submissions

Robinson, who disputes non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 last year, could receive up to 90 days in jail or a potential £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from police who said they called other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to suggest his client was a terrorist.

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

He noted that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be properly policed” to try to find out information that was already known. Williamson proposed that his client journeyed to the resort regularly, which should have lessened the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

The activist claimed that his court expenses in the case were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an ally of the campaigner and lately addressed a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of next Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after the defense explained his client was due to be a invitee of the Israel's administration 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,” said the barrister.

The judge announced he would deliver his ruling on the start of 4 November.