🔗 Share this article

Legal representatives told the tribunal that police maintained reasonable suspicions indicating Tommy Robinson's mobile contained information relevant to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he tried to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Give Phone Password

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly declined to provide his password to police, stating it contained journalist content.” This occurred after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on 28 July 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers employed by law enforcement are intended to allow information collection. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson continued to have links to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his membership of the English Defence League has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for holding those views and therefore it is a valid concern to think that on his telephone there could be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed Westminster magistrates court.

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

Circumstances of the Detention

The activist had arrived alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial heard.

The funds was said to have been from a donation drive to offset costs from organizing a large demonstration that took place the day before in Trafalgar Square.

Defense Arguments

Robinson, who denies failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July of the previous year, faces up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 fine if convicted.

His barrister, defense counsel, said in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who stopped his client had conducted a “fishing expedition” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to evidence from officers who stated they called other organizations” after detaining Robinson, Williamson said this was a allusion to the security services and that no evidence had been presented from the security service to indicate his client was a terrorist.

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

He noted that officers had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was previously available. Williamson proposed that Robinson journeyed to the resort regularly, which should have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Date

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

A proposed day of next Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, the judge, after the defense said Robinson was scheduled to be a guest of the Israel's administration from Wednesday 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 Williamson.

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