Far-right activist Daniel Thomas, known to supporters as Danny Tommo, dabbed his eyes with tissue before being denied bail over allegations he slashed a boat in the Channel. The 37-year-old, of no fixed address, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Friday supported by Tommy Robinson.
Thomas pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal damage and failing to disclose the Pin to his phone to police, under Section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. He allegedly slashed a boat in the English Channel with an emergency responder on board.
Court hears details of alleged incident
Prosecutor Kevin Lucie, outlining the facts of the criminal damage charge, told the court that Thomas slashed an adrift boat with a knife saying: 'You are on English territory. This is England. This is not France anymore.' The court heard a crew member was on the boat whilst it was heard leaking air.
Thomas has stated he would like a crown court trial. A hearing will take place in Portsmouth Crown Court on Tuesday, September 29.
Defence arguments and bail refusal
Thomas, a father-of-four and described as a professional roofer, was seen dabbing his eyes with a tissue at one point during the hearing before he was refused bail. Several journalists were in the courtroom for the hearing, while a police officer stood in the public gallery.
Simon Pentol KC, defending, said: 'This defendant is not charged with an offence of political activism, whether you agree with it or not, that is not the issue. He has elected crown court trial over criminal damage simplicita and nothing more and for not acquiescing to a notice requiring him to provide a Pin number.'
He continued: 'I invite this court to bear in mind it's dealing with a 37-year-old man who lives with his long-standing partner and their four children, all aged between 18 and three, his partner is pregnant once again, four months. She is a full-time mother, he is the full-time provider or bread-winner as they used to say. He is a professional roofer by trade, he is therefore having to look after his family who, through his political activism, have been under huge threat and due to publication of his mother's home address, she has had to move home.'
Protest outside investigation centre
On Thursday evening several hundred people, many wearing black, gathered outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke believing that Thomas was inside. Dozens of police officers could be seen monitoring the group outside the investigation centre as the protest continued for several hours.
