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Prosecutors told the court that police maintained valid concerns that Tommy Robinson's phone held material related to acts of terrorism when they stopped him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Give Phone Password

The right-wing campaigner, using his legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly declined to provide his password to officers, stating it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Claims on Anti-Terror Authority

On the final day of the trial, prosecutor Jo Morris argued that the anti-terror authorities used by police are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to think the defendant still have links to right-wing groups, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

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

The prosecutor added, His opinions – to which he is entitled – were not the focus for their concern on 28 July. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially involved in prohibited activities.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had arrived by himself at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle belonging to a acquaintance and was traveling to the holiday destination of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the court heard.

The funds was reportedly from a donation drive to offset costs from organizing a major rally that occurred the previous day in a London landmark.

Legal Team Submissions

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

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in final arguments that counter-terrorism police who detained Robinson had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to evidence from police who said they called “partner agencies” after arresting him, Williamson said this was a reference to the security services and that no evidence had been offered from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a security threat.

Williamson asserted the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a “significant degree on a personal attribute.” He stated that the main factor” on the choice to stop him was recognizing his identity”.

He noted that officers had used an special authority that needs to be carefully regulated” to try to find out details that was already known. Williamson proposed that his client traveled to Benidorm regularly, which ought to have reduced the officers’ suspicions about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

The activist stated that his court expenses in the case were being covered by Elon Musk, the proprietor of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an supporter of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering organized by him in the capital via a livestream.

A proposed date of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the magistrate, Sam Goozee, after the defense explained Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israeli government from the midweek 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 Williamson.

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