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Prosecutors informed the court that police had valid concerns indicating Tommy Robinson's mobile held material related to acts of terrorism when they detained him last year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Denial to Provide Phone Pin

The far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, reportedly refused to hand over his password to police, stating it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Channel tunnel on July 28, 2024.

Prosecution Arguments on Anti-Terror Authority

On the last day of the proceedings, state lawyer Jo Morris argued that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are designed to allow intelligence gathering. She claimed that officers had valid grounds to believe Robinson continued to have links to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).

“Although his affiliation of the EDL has ceased, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is known for having those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his phone there could be information pertaining to terrorist acts,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

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

Details of the Detention

The activist had arrived by himself at the Eurotunnel in a silver Bentley owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial was told.

The money was reportedly from a donation drive to cover costs from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the previous day in Trafalgar Square.

Legal Team Arguments

Robinson, who disputes non-compliance with counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on 28 July last year, could receive up to three months in jail or a potential £2,500 fine if found guilty.

His lawyer, defense counsel, argued in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who detained Robinson had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Citing evidence from officers who said they called “partner agencies” after detaining him, the defense lawyer said this was a reference to the security services and that no evidence had been presented from MI5 to indicate his client was a security threat.

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

He added that police had used an special authority that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover details that was previously available. Williamson suggested that his client journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which ought to have lessened the police concerns about him.

Legal Costs and Verdict Timing

The activist claimed that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by Elon Musk, the proprietor of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the campaigner and lately addressed a gathering organized by him in the capital via a online broadcast.

A suggested day of next Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, the judge, after the defense explained Robinson was scheduled to be a invitee of the Israel's administration from Wednesday and would not come back 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 announced he would deliver his verdict on the morning of 4 November.