Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas, 37, has been charged with criminal damage after footage appeared to show him slashing a dinghy in the English Channel. Known to his supporters as Danny Tommo, Thomas also faces a charge for failing to disclose the PIN for his mobile phone, according to Hampshire Police. The force had been investigating live-streamed footage depicting the incident, which involved a boat that carried an emergency responder at the time of the alleged damage.
Protest Details
- Start time: The demonstration began shortly before 18:30 BST outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke.
- Protest activity: Several hundred supporters gathered on the road, chanting slogans such as “free DT” and “we want our Danny back.”
- Conclusion: The crowd dispersed at approximately 21:45 BST upon learning of the formal charges brought against Thomas.
The incident occurred on Tuesday after approximately 50 migrants, who had traveled from Normandy, were transferred from the dinghy to RNLI lifeboats. Following the transfer, the individuals were moved to a UK Border Force vessel and transported to Dover for processing. A French coastguard official was present on the dinghy when the alleged slashing took place.
Legal Status and Court Appearance
- Custody status: Thomas has been remanded in custody.
- Upcoming hearing: He is scheduled to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court via videolink on Friday.
- Prosecution view: Chris Derrick, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Wessex, confirmed that prosecutors have found sufficient evidence to pursue criminal proceedings in the public interest.
Officials have cautioned the public regarding ongoing legal commentary. “We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial,” the CPS stated. The investigation remains focused on the footage captured during the crossing, which authorities reviewed before moving forward with the current charges against the activist.
Important Details
- The report also notes that which seemed to pass off peacefully, began shortly before 18:30 BST. Protesters stood on the road outside the building and could be heard chanting “free DT”, the demonstration.
