Daniel Thomas, the anti-migrant activist known as Danny Tommo, clutched a Bible as he was remanded into custody on Tuesday, leaving him facing Christmas behind bars.
The 37-year-old appeared via videolink from prison at Portsmouth Crown Court wearing a grey T-shirt and holding a copy of the Holy Bible. Thomas has already pleaded not guilty to a charge of criminal damage after he allegedly slashed a boat in the English Channel with an emergency responder on board on September 22. He has also denied failing to disclose the PIN to his phone to police under Section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
Judge denies bail
Judge James Newton-Price KC declined to grant Thomas bail and remanded him in custody. A provisional trial date has been set for March 1, 2027. Explaining his decision, the judge told the court: “I am not concerned with the political issues or motivations in this matter and I put them aside in deciding this matter.”
Thomas's barrister, Simon Pentol KC, had proposed a “package of bail conditions” as an alternative to keeping his client in custody. Mr Pentol said that if Thomas was granted bail “he would be in no doubt whatsoever that one foot or thought – if that is what it’s coming to – or gesture or comment out of place would render him liable to be in breach of his bail”. He added: “He is prepared to put himself in that position to be able to return to his family today.”
Next hearing set for November
But the judge rejected the application and told Thomas his next hearing would take place on November 12. Judge Newton-Price said: “I have adjourned this case to the next hearing, which will take place on Thursday 12th November. I have set dates for service of evidence.
“At that hearing on 12th November you will appear by the court videolink system and your counsel, Mr Pentol, I have given permission to appear by videolink as well. I have set a trial date, provisionally at least, for 1st March next year and custody time limits are 25th March.”
