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Legal representatives told the tribunal that law enforcement maintained valid concerns indicating Tommy Robinson's phone held material related to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Give Device Password

The right-wing campaigner, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, allegedly declined to hand over his password to officers, stating it included journalist content.” This occurred after he was stopped at the Eurotunnel on 28 July 2024.

Trial Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the proceedings, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers used by law enforcement are intended to permit information collection. She asserted that police had reasonable suspicion to believe Robinson continued to have connections to far-right activists, even after the dissolution of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the English Defence League has come to an end, his beliefs have not disappeared. He is recognized for having those opinions and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there may be information pertaining to terrorist acts,” she told Westminster magistrates court.

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

Details of the Detention

The activist had arrived by himself at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a acquaintance and was on his way to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with more than £13,000 in a carry-on, the court was told.

The funds was reportedly from a collection 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 counter-terrorism powers during the encounter on 28 July last year, faces up to 90 days in prison or a potential £2,500 fine if convicted.

His lawyer, defense counsel, said in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.

Referring to evidence from police who said they contacted other organizations” after arresting him, the defense lawyer claimed this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that lack of proof had been presented from MI5 to indicate his client was a terrorist.

He said the officers’ intervention was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He said that the main factor” on the choice to detain him was recognizing his identity”.

He added that police had used an “extraordinary power that must be carefully regulated” to try to find out information that was previously available. Williamson proposed that his client traveled to Benidorm frequently, which should have lessened the police suspicions about him.

Expenses and Verdict Timing

Robinson claimed that his court expenses in the case were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of social media and electric car companies, who has emerged as an ally of the far-right activist and recently addressed a rally arranged by him in the capital via a livestream.

A suggested date of the following Tuesday for the verdict was changed by the district judge, the judge, after the defense explained his client was scheduled to be a guest 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,” stated Williamson.

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