Right-wing activist Tommy Robinson told police he would not provide his mobile phone pin in order to protect "journalistic material", his trial heard.
The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was driving to the Spanish tourist hotspot of Benidorm when he was stopped by police at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone.
Police were suspicious of Mr Robinson's "vague replies" about what he was doing, leading them to demand access to his iPhone.
The police have the power to demand such request under Schedule Seven of the Terrorism Act, Westminister Magistrates' Court heard.
Mr Robinson denied failing to comply with the counter-terrorism powers during the incident.
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When he was asked to hand over the phone's pin, Mr Robinson said: "Not a chance bruv... you look like c*** so you ain't having it. It's my work, I'm a journalist."
The Court heard that Mr Robinson claimed to be investigating "corrupt police officers" involved in the grooming gang scandal, and that he had information about "vulnerable girls" that he wanted to protect.
Prosecutor Jo Morris opened the case by explaining that officers "became concerned" about Mr Robinson's "demeanour".
She said: "He gave short, vague replies and made no eye contact."
The court heard that on their way to the room, Mr Robinson tried to film himself saying he had been arrested and was told to 'relax' by officers
|PA
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Police recognised the activist and took him to an interview room where his phone was seized.
The court heard that on their way to the room, Mr Robinson tried to film himself saying he had been arrested and was told to "relax" by officers.
After refusing to hand over his phone for journalistic purposes, Ms Morris said: "The process by which journalistic material would be protected was explained to him."
Mr Robinson had more than £13,000 and €1,900 (£1,648) on him when he was stopped.
The court heard that while being interviewed, Mr Robinson told the officers: "For me it's a win win, it's going to be bad for yous."
PC Mitchell Thorogood, part of the Channel Tunnel Policing team, told the court that the campaigner had arrived on the day to buy his tickets rather than booking in advance.
Mr Thorogood described the move as "unusual".
He was also travelling in a high-value car which was not registered in his name, the trial heard.
Mr Robinson attended court today as the trial continues
|PA
Under Schedule Seven of the Terrorism Act, the person who is detained can be held for up to six hours, is legally obliged to answer questions and must provide the password or pin for electronic devices, or be held to have committed a criminal offence if they refuse.
Alisdair Williamson KC, defending, suggested the stop may have been "discriminatory" against Mr Robinson's political beliefs.
Mr Williamson questioned PC Thorogood whether the counter-terror police powers used were "reasonable, proportionate and in good faith".
Mr Robinson's arrest came a day after he held a rally in Central London that was attended by 50,000, his trial was told.
If found guilty, he could be jailed for up to three months and/or receive a £2,500 fine.
Mr Robinson denies the charges as the trial continues.
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