Police Suspected Tommy Robinson Had Terrorist Information on Phone, Court Hears.
Legal representatives informed the court that police had valid concerns indicating Tommy Robinson's mobile contained material related to acts of terrorism when they detained him in the previous year as he attempted to depart from the UK.
Denial to Provide Phone Password
The right-wing campaigner, using his real name is Tommy Robinson, allegedly refused to provide his phone pin to officers, stating it included journalist content.” This happened after he was intercepted at the Eurotunnel on July 28, 2024.
Trial Arguments on Anti-Terror Powers
On the last day of the trial, prosecutor the prosecution stated that the counter-terrorism powers used by police are designed to allow information collection. She claimed that officers had reasonable suspicion to think Robinson still have connections to far-right activists, even following the disbandment of the English Defence League (EDL).
“Although his membership of the EDL has ceased, his views have not gone away. He is recognized for holding those views and therefore it is a reasonable suspicion to believe that on his phone there may be data relevant to acts of terrorism,” she told Westminster magistrates court.
Morris continued, “His beliefs – to which he is allowed – were not the subject for their concern on July 28. It was his connection to individuals who are possibly engaged in prohibited activities.”
Circumstances of the Stop
The campaigner had arrived alone at the Eurotunnel in a luxury vehicle owned by a friend and was on his way to the Spanish resort of Benidorm with over £13,000 in a small bag, the court heard.
The funds was said to have been from a donation drive to cover costs from organizing a major rally that occurred the day before in a London landmark.
Defense Submissions
The defendant, who denies failing to comply with anti-terror laws during the incident on 28 July of the previous year, could receive up to three months in prison or a potential £2,500 penalty if convicted.
His barrister, Alisdair Williamson KC, argued in closing submissions that counter-terrorism police who detained Robinson had conducted a speculative search” and that he had been unlawfully detained.
Referring to evidence from officers who said they contacted “partner agencies” after arresting Robinson, Williamson said this was a reference to the security services and that lack of proof had been presented from the security service to indicate his defendant was a terrorist.
Williamson asserted the police intervention was biased” because it was based to a large extent on a personal attribute.” He said that the “predominant influence” on the choice to detain him was “‘oh look, it’s Tommy Robinson”.
He added that officers had used an “extraordinary power that must be carefully regulated” to try to discover information that was previously available. Williamson proposed that Robinson traveled to Benidorm frequently, which should have reduced the police concerns about him.
Expenses and Judgment Date
Robinson stated that his legal costs in the proceedings were being paid for by Elon Musk, the owner of X and Tesla, who has appeared as an ally of the campaigner and recently spoke at a gathering arranged by him in the capital via a livestream.
A proposed date of next Tuesday for the decision was changed by the district judge, the judge, after Williamson said his client was scheduled to be a guest 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 verdict on the morning of 4 November.