Tommy Robinson Supports Anti-Migrant Activist Charged With Damaging Migrant Boat

Tommy Robinson appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court to show support for Daniel Thomas, an anti-migrant activist charged with criminal damage and failing to disclose his phone's PIN. Thomas, widely known as Danny Tommo, allegedly slashed a dinghy carrying migrants across the English Channel while a rescue crew member was on board.

Thomas's court appearance followed a protest by approximately 250 of his followers outside the Police Investigation Centre in Basingstoke the previous night. The demonstration was organized in response to social media calls, including one from Robinson himself, for supporters of the group Patriot Platform to converge on the police station.

The protest began around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, with participants chanting slogans like 'free DT.' Police were present, filming the crowd, some of whom wore balaclavas and carried flags. A police drone was also observed monitoring the gathering. The protest included a moment of prayer and a rendition of the chant 'We want our Danny back.' Some individuals reportedly aimed laser pens at the police station. The road was partially blocked by protesters but opened periodically for traffic. The demonstration concluded peacefully around 9:30 p.m.

Thomas's arrest was livestreamed on Wednesday night from a BP garage. Footage posted online showed him asking to 'say goodbye to my kids' as an officer informed him of the arrest. This occurred after a video circulated on Tuesday allegedly showing Thomas damaging the dinghy. The incident unfolded as a boat carrying 51 migrants was attempting to cross the English Channel. The group was later brought ashore in Dover by the coast guard after being at sea for 38 hours.

Following the emergence of the video of Thomas, hundreds of activists had previously gathered in Gosport, anticipating the migrants' arrival. However, the migrants were transported by coaches under police escort to Dover.