Officers Believed Tommy Robinson Had Terrorism-Related Information on Phone, Trial Told.

Prosecutors informed the tribunal that police had reasonable suspicions that Tommy Robinson's mobile contained information relevant to acts of terrorism when they stopped him in the previous year as he tried to leave the UK.

Refusal to Give Phone Pin

The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly declined to hand over his password to officers, claiming it included “journalistic material.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the trial, state lawyer Jo Morris argued that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are intended to allow information collection. She claimed that police had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson continued to have links to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the EDL organization.

“Although his affiliation of the EDL has come to an end, his views have not disappeared. He is recognized for holding those opinions and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his phone there could be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she informed the court.

The prosecutor added, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the focus for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are potentially engaged in illegal actions.”

Circumstances of the Stop

The campaigner had turned up by himself at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a acquaintance and was on his way to the holiday destination of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the trial heard.

The funds was reportedly from a collection to offset costs from arranging a large demonstration that occurred the previous day in a London landmark.

Legal Team Arguments

Robinson, who denies failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July last year, could receive up to 90 days in prison or a possible £2,500 fine if convicted.

His lawyer, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in final arguments that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had engaged in a “fishing expedition” and that he had been illegally held.

Citing evidence from officers who stated they contacted other organizations” after arresting Robinson, the defense lawyer said this was a allusion to the security services and that lack of proof had been offered from MI5 to suggest his defendant was a terrorist.

He asserted the officers’ intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He stated that the main factor” 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 already known. The barrister proposed that his client traveled to the resort frequently, which ought to have lessened the police concerns about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

The activist stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being covered by the tech billionaire, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has appeared as an supporter of the campaigner and recently addressed a rally organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A suggested date of next Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, Sam Goozee, after Williamson said Robinson was due to be a invitee 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,” stated the barrister.

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