Daniel Thomas Remanded in Custody Over Channel Migrant Dinghy Slashing

An anti-migrant activist who styles himself as a political leader wept and clutched a copy of the Holy Bible as he was remanded in custody following his appearance at Portsmouth Crown Court where he pleaded not guilty to allegations of sabotaging a migrant dinghy in the English Channel.

Daniel Thomas, who the court noted is 37 years of age and whose exact date of birth was not disclosed during the proceedings, appeared via videolink for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The court heard that the defendant, whose residence was formally listed as of no fixed abode but who provided an address in closed court, faces Crown allegations of criminal damage and failing to provide the PIN to his mobile telephone.

The charges stem from an alleged maritime incident on September 22 during which the prosecution claims the defendant deliberately slashed the side walls of a small inflatable vessel that had recently been used to transport asylum seekers.

The court heard extensive details regarding the Crown's allegations from prosecuting barrister James Kellam who outlined the sequence of events that allegedly unfolded off the south coast.

The prosecution claims that Thomas went out into the Channel in a small boat while equipped with a fishing rod before repeatedly calling for followers from Portsmouth, Brighton and Southampton to join him at a Fort Blockhouse postcode.

It is alleged that the defendant subsequently steered his vessel towards an adrift rigid inflatable boat from which migrants had recently departed for an RNLI vessel.

The Crown alleges that a French lifeguard was still aboard the dinghy when Thomas approached and shouted phrases including "This is England", "they should be taken back" and "No more migrants, no more".

Prosecutors allege that he then used a knife to slash the tubes of the boat, causing audible deflation, before demanding that those present get off the vessel and take the migrants back to France.

Furthermore the prosecution alleges that Thomas was arrested the following day at a petrol station where he is accused of filming his own apprehension and broadcasting it on social media.

Upon his arrest the Crown claims he was asked to hand over the password to his iPhone 17 ProMax but refused to comply with the police notice issued under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.

Mr Kellam also detailed wider background allegations, telling the court that Thomas is known as the leader of an umbrella organisation called Patriot Platform which mobilises local protests against immigration.

The prosecution alleged that Thomas was an organising member of protests in Dover and was involved in mobilising followers the day after the Channel incident in Eastney where violent disorder and damage to police vehicles occurred.

The court also heard allegations that the defendant co-hosts a podcast with far-right figure Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who is widely known as Tommy Robinson, to discuss his organisation's ability to mobilise large crowds.

Defending Thomas, Simon Pentol KC strongly challenged the basis for denying bail and characterised the alleged nautical offence as a political stunt. Mr Pentol emphasised to the court that his client has never been charged with widespread public disorder regardless of his political motivations or associates.

The defence barrister warned that denying bail on political grounds would mean society is entering "dangerous times", arguing that it is a distortion of reality to suggest the 37-year-old poses a bail risk.

The court heard that Thomas is a self-employed roofer who employs his own staff and acts as the sole provider for his lifelong partner and their four children.

Proposing a stringent package of bail conditions as an alternative to incarceration, Mr Pentol stated that his client would be in no doubt that a single foot, thought, gesture or comment out of place would render him liable for breach and that he was prepared to strictly comply in order to return to his family.

Presiding over the hearing, Judge James Newton-Price KC formally denied the application for bail and remanded the defendant into custody while expressly stating that he was putting all political issues aside in reaching his decision.

The judge acknowledged the defendant's strong local and family ties alongside his status as a business owner and sole financial provider, accepting that he was not a flight risk.

However, Judge Newton-Price concluded that based on the specific allegations of criminal damage and failing to comply with the investigatory powers notice, bail would be refused.

The defendant, wearing a grey T-shirt on the videolink, was visibly distressed and was seen crying and dabbing his eyes with a tissue when the decision was delivered.

The courtroom was heavily attended, with 11 members of the press seated in the jury bench and 12 members of the public, including the defendant's son, observing from the public gallery.

Following the conclusion of the hearing a member of the public in the gallery was heard accusing the government of slandering Thomas and referring to the justice system as two-tier.

The court proceedings follow a large-scale demonstration last Thursday evening where several hundred people dressed in black gathered outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke under the belief that Thomas was being held inside, leading to a lengthy standoff monitored by dozens of police officers.

Meanwhile, Mr Yaxley-Lennon published a statement on social media confirming he was praying for the defendant's release.

Thomas previously elected for a jury trial at the Crown Court rather than having his case heard by magistrates. A provisional trial date has now been set for March 1 next year with the custody time limits formally expiring on March 25.

The case has been adjourned until a case management hearing on November 12 where the defendant is expected to be arraigned. Both Thomas and his defence counsel have been granted permission to appear at the November hearing via videolink.