Daniel Thomas, the activist known as Danny Tommo, has admitted slashing a dinghy in the English Channel, narrowing one part of a case in which he disputes several other allegations.

Thomas, 37, changed his plea to guilty when he appeared by video link from prison at Portsmouth Crown Court. He had previously denied the criminal damage charge.¹

The court previously heard that Thomas approached the dinghy as rescue crews were responding and a French rescue worker boarded it. Prosecutor Kevin Lucie said the boat was heard “leaking air while the rescue worker was onboard.”²

The accounts share the central facts of the plea but give different emphasis to its consequences. One report focuses on the rescue response and potential sentence, while another details the separate allegations Thomas continues to contest.²¹

Those include failing to disclose his phone PIN to police, entering a restricted area at a Dover migrant processing centre, and other alleged conduct in Dover. He has pleaded not guilty. His earlier guilty plea to entering the restricted area was withdrawn after the court heard he may have received incorrect legal advice.¹

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

By contrast, Thomas’s ally Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, called for his release in a post on X.Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (TRobinsonNewEra)⁴