Daniel Thomas, an anti-migrant activist also known as Danny Tommo, was denied bail at Portsmouth Crown Court over allegations he slashed a dinghy in the English Channel and livestreamed the incident on 22 September. He faces charges of criminal damage and failing to disclose his phone PIN and has been remanded in custody ahead of a provisional trial date on 1 March. Defence counsel described the case as politically charged, but the judge said he set politics aside in his decision.
Daniel Thomas Denied Bail After Alleged Dinghy Slashing Live-Streamed From English Channel
Daniel Thomas, known to his supporters as Danny Tommo, appeared in court via videolink (file photo) [Getty Images]
Anti-migrant campaigner Daniel Thomas has been refused bail following a hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court over allegations he slashed a dinghy in the English Channel and broadcast the incident online.
The 37-year-old, known to some supporters as Danny Tommo, appeared at the hearing by videolink. He is charged with criminal damage after footage reportedly showed him attacking the boat with a knife and is also accused of failing to disclose the PIN for his mobile phone. The court previously withheld his address.
Thomas has been remanded in custody, with a provisional trial date listed for 1 March. He did not enter a plea at the Crown Court hearing; however, he previously pleaded not guilty to both counts at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court.
Court statements say Thomas allegedly livestreamed from the English Channel at around 16:30 BST on 22 September, addressing a large online audience. Prosecutors allege he slashed a boat that had been used by migrants while it was adrift and while a rescue crew member was still on board.
He is reported to have told viewers: “this is what needs to happen” and “this is England, this isn't France any more”.
Defence counsel Simon Pentol KC told the court he had proposed a "package of bail conditions" instead of custody and described the prosecution case as "politically charged and fundamentally flawed."
Rejecting bail, Judge James Newton-Price KC said he had put any political motivations aside when reaching his decision. The defendant, wearing a grey T-shirt and holding a copy of the Bible during the hearing, was remanded to custody. A small group of supporters waited outside the court for the outcome.
This remains an active court matter and the allegations have not been proven in court.
Help us improve.
