Anti-Migrant Activist Remanded in Custody Over Channel Dinghy Incident

Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas, known to supporters as Danny Tommo, was remanded in custody on Tuesday, awaiting a trial next year for allegedly slashing a migrant boat in the English Channel. The 37-year-old appeared via videolink at Portsmouth Crown Court, pleading not guilty to charges of criminal damage and failing to disclose his mobile phone's PIN.

A provisional trial date has been set for March 1, 2027, with the case expected to proceed to a jury trial at the Crown Court.

Thomas was previously seen in court last week, appearing visibly distressed during a videolink hearing at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court. He has received support from fellow right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, who posted on social media expressing hope for his release.

During a prior hearing, the court heard that a crew member was aboard the migrant boat when it was observed to be leaking air. Prosecutor Kevin Lucie outlined that Thomas steered his own boat toward the damaged vessel while rescue crews, including Border Force and the French Coastguard, were present. Lucie alleged that Thomas armed himself with a knife and, after slashing the dinghy, made statements indicating his intent to deter migrants.

"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 allegedly said.

The incident occurred amidst a backdrop of what the prosecution described as "significant disorder," including a protest in Gosport the preceding Tuesday. The charge related to failing to disclose his phone PIN stems from Thomas livestreaming his arrest at a BP petrol station.

Last Thursday evening, several hundred individuals, many wearing black, gathered outside a police investigation center in Basingstoke, reportedly believing Thomas was being held there. Police monitored the protest, which lasted for several hours.