Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, has been remanded in custody after appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court over allegations that he damaged a boat in the English Channel.

The 37-year-old appeared via videolink from prison on Tuesday, 29 September, after previously pleading not guilty to a charge of criminal damage. He is accused of slashing a boat in the Channel on 22 September while an emergency responder was on board. He also denies a separate allegation of failing to disclose the PIN to his mobile phone to police.

Judge James Newton-Price KC refused an application for bail and ordered Thomas to remain in custody ahead of his trial.

Explaining his decision, the judge told the court: "I am not concerned with the political issues or motivations in this matter and I put them aside in deciding this matter."

Thomas's barrister, Simon Pentol KC, had proposed a package of bail conditions as an alternative to custody. He argued that his client understood the restrictions that would be placed upon him if released.

Mr Pentol told the court that Thomas "would be in no doubt whatsoever" that any breach of his bail conditions could result in him being returned to custody. He said his client was prepared to accept those conditions in order to return to his family.

The defence also described the case as "politically charged and fundamentally flawed", arguing that Thomas was facing allegations of criminal damage and failing to comply with a notice relating to his mobile phone, rather than charges connected to wider public disorder.

Prosecutors allege that Thomas followed a small boat in the Channel before using a knife to slash it while a rescue worker was on board. Footage of the incident was reportedly livestreamed to his online audience. Thomas has denied the criminal damage allegation.

Thomas is the founder of the anti-migration group Patriot Platform and has become a prominent figure in a series of recent anti-migrant demonstrations across southern England. The group has organised protests in locations including Dover and Gosport, with hundreds of demonstrators attending some events.

His arrest and subsequent court appearances have also prompted demonstrations by supporters. Around 200 to 300 people gathered outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke after news of his arrest and charges emerged, with some protesters chanting "free DT".

The case has attracted wider political attention amid heightened tensions surrounding Channel crossings. Communities Secretary Angela Rayner has criticised some of the recent demonstrations associated with Thomas, describing masked marches as "intimidation" rather than legitimate protest.

Thomas's next court hearing is scheduled for 12 November, while a provisional trial date has been set for 1 March 2027. He will remain in custody pending further proceedings.

The allegations against Thomas have not been proven, and he remains entitled to a fair trial.