Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas has been refused bail at a crown court hearing following allegations that he slashed a dinghy in the English Channel. The 37-year-old, known to supporters as Danny Tommo, appeared via videolink at Portsmouth Crown Court on charges of criminal damage after footage emerged appearing to show him damaging the vessel with a knife.
Thomas faces two separate charges: criminal damage related to the alleged boat incident, and failing to disclose the PIN code to his mobile phone. He has been remanded in custody pending trial, with proceedings scheduled to commence on 1 March. His residential address was kept confidential by the court during an earlier hearing.
The activist was arrested following a livestreamed video released on 22 September that purportedly depicted him attacking the migrant rescue boat. During the crown court hearing, Thomas wore a grey t-shirt and held a Bible but did not formally enter a plea. However, he had previously indicated a not guilty plea to both charges when he appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Friday.
Police investigators have been analysing the livestream footage as part of their examination of evidence in the case. The incident represents an escalation in tensions surrounding migrant crossings in the English Channel, which have become an increasingly contentious political issue.
Background to the case
This prosecution follows Thomas's earlier appearance at magistrates' court, where he initially denied the charges. His activism has drawn significant official attention; the Home Secretary previously condemned him as "far-right and outright racist," pledging legal consequences should his organisation breach the law near proposed asylum facilities.
The alleged boat damage incident occurred amid broader Channel migration activity. Earlier in September, 140 migrants were rescued from a single dinghy as anti-migrant protests organised by Thomas disrupted Portsmouth roads. The rescue operations underscore the scale of crossing attempts and the humanitarian operations they trigger.
What happens next
Thomas will remain in custody until his trial begins on 1 March. The crown court proceedings will determine whether the evidence, including the livestreamed footage examined by police, establishes guilt on the criminal damage and phone PIN disclosure charges.
