Daniel Thomas, a 37-year-old anti-migrant activist known online as Danny Tommo, has admitted criminal damage after slashing a migrant dinghy with a knife during a rescue operation in the English Channel. He changed his plea when appearing via video link from prison at Portsmouth Crown Court on Thursday. According to BBC News, Thomas will face sentencing on 18 November at the same court.
Thomas, whose address was withheld by the court, initially pleaded not guilty when he first appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court in September, but reversed his position at the Crown Court hearing. The Guardian reported that he maintained his not guilty plea to a separate charge of failing to disclose his phone PIN to police under section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
The incident occurred when Thomas took a boat into the English Channel and encountered a dinghy being assisted by the RNLI, Border Force and the French Coastguard. According to prosecutors, Thomas instructed his boat to be steered towards the vessel and armed himself with a knife as rescue crews approached and a French emergency responder boarded from a rescue vessel. He then used the blade to slash the boat. During the attack, Thomas made statements on a livestream, saying
"This is what needs to happen to everyone in these boats. Right, you're on English territory, This is England, this is not France anymore. Get off the boat, you have time to get off the boat. This is not France. Take them back."
Thomas founded the anti-migrant group Patriot Platform, which Reuters reported had mobilised hundreds of protesters in recent weeks. His actions represent an escalation in activism against migrant crossings, which have become increasingly contentious in the United Kingdom. The case has drawn attention to broader tensions surrounding migrant crossings in the English Channel, an issue that has generated significant political and public debate in recent months.
The dinghy that Thomas damaged had carried approximately 50 migrants from Normandy. After the migrants were transferred to RNLI lifeboats, they were moved to a Border Force vessel and taken to Dover for processing. The prosecutor noted that the dinghy was heard leaking air while the rescue worker remained aboard during the attack.
What are the potential penalties?
The sentencing outcome will depend on the assessed value of the damage caused to the vessel. Under criminal damage law, the maximum penalty ranges from up to 10 years' imprisonment if the damage exceeds £5,000, or a fine and up to three months' imprisonment if the damage is valued below that threshold.
What happens next?
Thomas's sentencing hearing is scheduled for 18 November at 9:30am at Portsmouth Crown Court. The court accepted his guilty plea and agreed to proceed to sentencing without requiring a pre-sentence report. The separate charge of failing to disclose his phone PIN to police was left on file, meaning it remains available for prosecution if circumstances change but will not be pursued at this time.
Background to the case
In late September, Thomas was refused bail and remanded in custody pending trial. His case has drawn attention to broader tensions surrounding migrant crossings in the English Channel, an issue that has generated significant political and public debate in recent months.
Key Facts
- Daniel Thomas, 37, admitted criminal damage after slashing a dinghy with a knife on 12 November 2026
- The incident occurred during a rescue operation involving the RNLI, Border Force and French Coastguard
- Approximately 50 migrants were aboard the dinghy when it was damaged
- Thomas faces sentencing on 18 November at Portsmouth Crown Court
- Maximum penalty ranges from up to 10 years' imprisonment if damage exceeds £5,000
