Daniel Thomas denies slashing boat in English Channel
The far-right activist pleaded not guilty to criminal damage and failing to disclose his phone's PIN at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court.
Incident → evidence → outcomeFar-right activist Daniel Thomas has pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal damage and failing to disclose the PIN to his phone. Thomas, 37, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court in Hampshire via videolink on Friday. He is accused of slashing an adrift boat with a knife in the English Channel.
Court Proceedings
Thomas, also known to supporters as Danny Tommo, denied both charges. The criminal damage charge relates to an incident where a video appeared to show him damaging a boat. The court heard that a crew member was on the boat at the time and it was leaking air. Prosecutor Kevin Lucie stated that Thomas is accused of slashing the boat and saying, "You are on English territory. This is England. This is not France any more."
He also faces a charge under Section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 for failing to disclose his phone's PIN. Thomas elected to be tried at crown court, and his next appearance is scheduled for September 29 at Portsmouth Crown Court. He has been remanded in custody.
Support and Demonstrations
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, attended Basingstoke Magistrates' Court to support Thomas. Following the hearing, Yaxley-Lennon posted on social media that Thomas was being remanded to prison and bail had been refused. He stated that Thomas's legal team would prepare to fight for his bail at the crown court.
The court appearance followed a demonstration outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke on Thursday evening. Hundreds of people gathered, chanting "free DT", believing Thomas was being held inside.
Questions this report answers
01What charges does Daniel Thomas face?
Daniel Thomas faces two charges: criminal damage, relating to an incident where he is accused of slashing a boat with a knife in the English Channel, and failing to disclose the PIN to his phone under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
02Where and when did Daniel Thomas appear in court?
Daniel Thomas appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court in Hampshire via videolink on Friday. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 29 at Portsmouth Crown Court.
03Who attended court to support Daniel Thomas?
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, attended Basingstoke Magistrates' Court to support Daniel Thomas. Supporters also gathered outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke the previous evening.
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