Daniel Thomas Face Court After Dinghy Slashing, Defence Say Not Guilty

Anti migrant activist Daniel Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, has pleaded not guilty to criminal damage after a live streamed video appeared to show him slashing at a dinghy in the English Channel with a knife. The 37 year old was arrested following the incident on Tuesday and appeared before Basingstoke Magistrates Court in Hampshire by video link. He faces two charges, criminal damage and failing to disclose the PIN for his phone. Thomas denied both charges and was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court on 29 September. What the Court Heard Prosecutor Kevin Lucie told the court that Thomas was allegedly seen slashing an adrift boat with a knife while a crew member was on board. The court also heard that the boat was leaking air. According to the prosecution, Thomas was heard saying, You are on English territory. This is England. This is not France any more. Thomas was seen dabbing his eyes with a tissue during the hearing, which took place remotely. Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram said the case could have been dealt with in the magistrates court. However, Thomas elected to have the matter tried at crown court. Supporters Gather Outside Court The hearing attracted attention from supporters and prominent figures associated with the British far right. Stephen Yaxley Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, was among those in the public gallery. After the hearing, Yaxley Lennon posted on social media saying Thomas had been remanded to prison and that his legal team would prepare to seek bail at the crown court. Supporters also gathered outside Basingstoke Magistrates Court, where police maintained a presence during the proceedings. Police Investigation and Protest Hampshire Police previously confirmed that a man had been arrested after a boat carrying an emergency responder was damaged in the Channel on Tuesday. The incident also prompted a demonstration outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke on Thursday evening. Several hundred people gathered at the location, with protesters heard chanting free DT. The demonstration began shortly before 18:30 BST and appeared to remain peaceful. The crowd began dispersing at around 21:45 after news of the charges against Thomas became known. Case Now Heads to Crown Court Thomas has denied both allegations, meaning the charges remain matters for the court to determine. His next appearance at Portsmouth Crown Court on 29 September is expected to determine the next stage of proceeding, including consideration of his legal position and bail. The case has attracted wider attention because of Thomas anti migrant activism, the circumstances surrounding the Channel incident and the public demonstrations following his arrest. However, the allegation against him have not been proven in court.