Full Breakdown
Court Refuses Bail for Anti-Migrant Activist Danny Tommo Ahead of 2027 Trial
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Daniel Thomas, a 37-year-old anti-migrant activist who is known to supporters as “Danny Tommo,” was refused bail at Portsmouth Crown Court on September 29. Appearing via videolink from HMP Winchester, he was remanded in custody pending a provisional trial date of 1 March 2027. The charges stem from prosecutors’ allegation that Thomas slashed an inflatable dinghy in the English Channel on September 22 while an emergency responder was aboard. He also faces a charge of failing to disclose the PIN to his mobile phone under Section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
Background & Context
Thomas founded the Patriot Platform movement and has long been associated with far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson). The alleged boat-slashing incident was livestreamed online, prompting police investigation and the subsequent criminal-damage charge. Earlier court appearances at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court (including a September 25 plea of not guilty) led to the Crown Court hearing.
Timeline
- September 22 – Prosecutors allege the boat-slashing occurs.
- September 25 – Thomas pleads not guilty to criminal damage at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court.
- September 27 – Hundreds gather outside the Northern Police Investigation Centre in Basingstoke after online claims that Thomas is being held there.
- September 29 – Bail hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court; bail denied, Thomas remanded.
- November 12 – Case adjourned to a further hearing (scheduled).
- 1 March 2027 – Provisional trial date (scheduled).
- 25 March 2027 – Custody time limit set by the judge (scheduled).
Data & Statistics
- The Sentencing Council states the maximum penalty for criminal damage valued over £5,000 is ten years’ imprisonment; if the damage is under £5,000, the maximum is a fine and three months’ jail.
- The vessel’s damage cost remains undetermined, as the boat was taken back to France after the incident.
- Supporters outside the court numbered “a handful” on the bail hearing day and “several hundred” during earlier protests.
On-the-Ground Reports
Supporters gathered outside Portsmouth Crown Court on September 29, with several holding banners and chanting “Free DT.” A separate demonstration on September 27 in Basingstoke saw hundreds of participants, many wearing black, demanding Thomas’s release.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The exact monetary value of the damage to the dinghy has not been disclosed; court filings note the vessel was returned to France, leaving the cost “unknown” as to whether it exceeds the £5,000 threshold that would affect sentencing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He is prepared to put himself in that position to be able to return to his family today.” — Mr Pentol
- “He is not charged and has never been charged with widespread public disorder.” — Judge Newton-Price
- “I have adjourned this case to the next hearing, which will take place on Thursday, November 12. I have set dates for service of evidence.” — James Newton-Price, judge
What’s Next
The case is scheduled to reconvene on November 12, when the defendant will appear again by videolink and evidence will be exchanged. The trial is set for 1 March 2027, with custody limits extending to 25 March 2027 unless further extensions are ordered.