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Legal representatives told the tribunal that police had reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's phone contained information related to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Give Phone Pin

The right-wing campaigner, whose legal name is Tommy Robinson, reportedly declined to hand over his phone pin to officers, claiming it contained “journalistic material.” This happened after he was stopped at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the proceedings, state lawyer Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities employed by police are designed to permit information collection. She asserted that officers had valid grounds to believe the defendant still have connections to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the EDL 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 could be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

Morris continued, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their attention on July 28. It was his connection to others who are possibly engaged in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Detention

The activist had arrived by himself at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a friend and was on his way to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a small bag, the court was told.

The funds was said to have been from a collection to offset costs from arranging a major rally that occurred the day before in a London landmark.

Defense Arguments

The defendant, who denies non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on 28 July of the previous year, could receive up to 90 days in jail or a potential £2,500 penalty if convicted.

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

Citing testimony from police who stated they called “partner agencies” after detaining him, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to indicate his defendant was a security threat.

He said the officers’ intervention was biased” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the “predominant influence” on the decision to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that officers had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover information that was previously available. Williamson proposed that Robinson traveled to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the police suspicions about him.

Legal Costs and Judgment Timing

Robinson claimed that his court expenses in the case were being covered by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the far-right activist and recently addressed a rally organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, the judge, after the defense explained his client was scheduled 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,” stated the barrister.

Goozee announced he would deliver his verdict on the morning of 4 November.