Daniel Thomas has changed his plea over the slashing of a migrant dinghy in the English Channel, while maintaining his innocence on a series of separate charges.

Thomas, 37, known as Danny Tommo, pleaded guilty to criminal damage when he appeared by video link from prison at Portsmouth Crown Court. He had previously denied the charge.¹

The court had previously heard that Thomas directed his boat towards a dinghy that was adrift after migrants had been assisted by rescue crews. A French rescue worker had boarded the dinghy when Thomas slashed it with a knife. Prosecutor Kevin Lucie said: “The boat was heard leaking air while the rescue worker was onboard.”²

Thomas continues to deny failing to disclose his phone PIN to police. He also denies charges relating to incidents in Dover, including entering a restricted zone at a migrant processing centre and racially aggravated harassment. A previous guilty plea to the restricted-zone charge was vacated after the court heard he may have received incorrect legal advice.¹

The Crown Prosecution Service has defended the decision to bring proceedings. Chris Derrick of the CPS previously said there was “sufficient evidence to bring the case to court” and that prosecution was in the public interest.³

By contrast, Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and who attended an earlier hearing, posted: “Free Danny Tommo!”Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (TRobinsonNewEra)⁴ His call for release does not address the merits of the outstanding charges.

Thomas is due to stand trial on the contested charges from June 1 to June 3 next year, according to court reporting.¹