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Prosecutors told the tribunal that law enforcement had reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's mobile contained information related to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to leave the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Password

The far-right activist, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly declined to hand over his password to police, stating it included journalist content.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Powers

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor Jo Morris stated that the anti-terror authorities employed by law enforcement are intended to allow intelligence gathering. She asserted that officers had reasonable suspicion to believe the defendant still have connections to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his phone there may be data relevant to terrorist acts,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

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

Circumstances of the Detention

The activist had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

The funds was said to have been from a donation drive to offset expenses from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the day before in a London landmark.

Defense Arguments

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July last year, could receive up to three months in prison or a possible £2,500 penalty if convicted.

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

Referring to testimony from police who stated they called “partner agencies” after arresting Robinson, Williamson said this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been presented from the security service to indicate his client was a terrorist.

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

He noted that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to find out information that was already known. The barrister proposed that his client journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by the tech billionaire, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the far-right activist and recently spoke at a rally arranged by him in London via a livestream.

A suggested day of the following Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said Robinson was scheduled to be a guest of the Israeli government from the midweek and would not return until 25 October.

{“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 Williamson.

The judge said he would deliver his ruling on the morning of 4 November.