Activist Daniel Thomas Pleads Guilty to Criminal Damage Over English Channel Migrant Dinghy Slashing

Daniel Thomas, a self-identified activist known digitally as 'Danny Tommo', has pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Portsmouth Crown Court. The charge stems from an incident on 19 November 2023, where Thomas used a knife to slash an empty dinghy in the English Channel. The vessel had been previously used by migrants to cross from France to the UK.

The court heard that Thomas, 36, from Sheffield, was participating in a protest against migrant crossings when he approached the unoccupied dinghy. He was observed using a knife to inflict damage upon it. Prosecutors confirmed Thomas admitted to the action, stating, "I did damage the boat, yes."

The incident is understood to have occurred as part of an organised demonstration near the Kent coast, which saw various vessels converge in an act of protest against current immigration policies and the method of arrival for asylum seekers. Thomas remains on bail, with sentencing scheduled for 10 May.