🔗 Share this article

Prosecutors told the court that law enforcement had valid concerns indicating Tommy Robinson's phone held material relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Device Pin

The far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to provide his phone pin to officers, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Anti-Terror Powers

On the last day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to think Robinson still have connections to right-wing groups, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

“Although his affiliation of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for holding those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his phone there may be data pertaining to terrorist acts,” she informed the court.

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

Details of the Detention

The campaigner had arrived by himself at the Channel tunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court was told.

The funds was reportedly from a collection to offset costs from organizing a large demonstration that took place the previous day in a London landmark.

Defense Submissions

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

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who stopped his client had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to evidence from police who stated they called other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the security services and that no evidence had been presented from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a security threat.

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

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was previously available. The barrister proposed that his client traveled to the resort regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Judgment Date

Robinson stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and lately spoke at a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of next Tuesday for the verdict was altered by the magistrate, the judge, after Williamson said his client was due 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 the barrister.

Goozee said he would hand down his ruling on the start of 4 November.