Officers Suspected Tommy Robinson Had Terrorist Data on Mobile Device, Trial Told.

Legal representatives told the tribunal that law enforcement maintained reasonable suspicions indicating Tommy Robinson's mobile held material relevant to terrorist activities when they stopped him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.

Refusal to Provide Phone Password

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

Prosecution Arguments on Counter-Terrorism Powers

On the final day of the trial, state lawyer the prosecution argued that the anti-terror authorities used by police are designed to permit intelligence gathering. She asserted that police had valid grounds to think Robinson still have connections to far-right activists, even after the disbandment of the EDL organization.

While his membership of the EDL has come to an end, his views have not gone away. He is recognized for having those views and therefore it is a valid concern to believe that on his telephone there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism,” she told the court.

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

Circumstances of the Stop

The activist had turned up alone at the Channel tunnel in a silver Bentley belonging to a friend and was traveling to the Spanish resort of the Spanish coast with over £13,000 in a carry-on, the trial was told.

The funds was said to have been from a collection to offset expenses from organizing a large demonstration that occurred the day before in a London landmark.

Legal Team Submissions

Robinson, who disputes failing to comply with counter-terrorism powers during the incident on 28 July last year, could receive up to 90 days in jail or a possible £2,500 penalty if found guilty.

His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, said in closing submissions that anti-terror officers who detained Robinson had engaged in a speculative search” and that he had been illegally held.

Referring to testimony from police who stated they called other organizations” after detaining Robinson, the defense lawyer claimed this was a reference to the intelligence agencies and that no evidence had been presented from the security service to indicate his client was a terrorist.

Williamson said the officers’ action was “discriminatory” because it was based to a large extent on a protected characteristic.” He said that the main factor” on the decision to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.

He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that needs to be properly policed” to try to discover information that was previously available. The barrister suggested that his client journeyed to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the officers’ concerns about him.

Expenses and Judgment Timing

The activist claimed that his court expenses in the case were being covered by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the far-right activist and lately addressed a rally organized by him in London via a online broadcast.

A proposed date of next Tuesday for the decision was altered by the district judge, the judge, after the defense said his client was scheduled to be a invitee 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 the barrister.

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

Ricardo Smith
Ricardo Smith

Elara Vance is a design enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with a passion for modern aesthetics and sustainable living practices.