Daniel Thomas pleads not guilty over Channel boat slashing

Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas has pleaded not guilty to criminal damage after a video appeared to show him slashing a dinghy in the English Channel with a knife. The 37-year-old, known to supporters as Danny Tommo, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court via videolink on Friday.

Phone PIN Charge

Thomas also denied a separate charge of failing to comply with a police notice requiring him to disclose the PIN for his mobile phone under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. Hampshire Police confirmed the two charges following an investigation into an incident on 22 September.

Boat Damaged in Channel

The criminal damage allegation relates to an incident in which a boat was damaged while an emergency responder was on board. Prosecutors told the court that Thomas allegedly used a knife to slash the vessel while it was adrift and leaking air.

Words Allegedly Spoken

The court heard that Thomas allegedly said during the incident: “You are on English territory. This is England. This is not France any more.” The prosecution presented the statement as part of its account of what happened during the alleged attack on the boat.

Case Moves to Crown Court

Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram said the case could have remained in the magistrates’ court, but Thomas elected to have the matter heard at Crown Court. He was remanded in custody following the hearing and is due to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on 29 September.

Bail Remains Unresolved

Thomas was not granted bail following Friday’s hearing. His legal team is expected to make further arguments over his release when the case reaches the Crown Court.

Tommy Robinson Attends

Far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, widely known as Tommy Robinson, was among those in the public gallery during the hearing. Robinson later said on social media that Thomas had been remanded in custody and that his legal team would prepare to seek bail.

Supporters Gather Outside

Thomas’s arrest had already prompted demonstrations in Basingstoke. Several hundred people gathered outside a police investigation centre on Thursday evening after believing he was being held there.

Protest Remains Peaceful

The protesters arrived shortly before 18:30 and stood on the road outside the facility, with some chanting “free DT”. Police officers monitored the demonstration, which was reported to have remained peaceful.

Crowd Disperses After Charges

The demonstration continued for several hours before the crowd began to disperse at about 21:45 after protesters learned that Thomas had been charged. The gathering followed social media calls for supporters to attend the location.

CPS Confirms Prosecution

The Crown Prosecution Service said it had authorised the prosecution after reviewing evidence from Hampshire Constabulary. Prosecutors said there was sufficient evidence to bring the case before a court and that pursuing the charges was in the public interest.

Right to Fair Trial

The CPS stressed that the charges do not amount to a finding of guilt and that Thomas is entitled to a fair trial. The case will now proceed through the Crown Court, where the allegations against him will be considered.