Danny Tommo pleads guilty in court after boat slashed in Gosport migrant protest
Danny Tommo appeared in court via video link from HMP Winchester this morning.
Activist Daniel Thomas has pleaded in court after being accused of slashing a boat in an anti-illegal migrant protest.
Thomas, known online as Danny Tommo, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court this morning (Thursday, November 12), having been charged with one count of failing to comply with a Section 49 notice, and one count of criminal damage.
In court via video link from HMP Winchester, Thomas pleaded not guilty to the former charge, but pleaded guilty to the criminal damage.
It comes after an incident in Gosport on Tuesday, September 22, where protesters gathered near Haslar Marina after reports of a boat carrying migrants, heading towards the town. It later emerged that the vessel was heading elsewhere, but “significant disorder” had already broken out.
Tomas, 37 of central Hampshire, live-streamed himself out in the Solent, and could be seen on the migrant vessel with a knife.
During the incident, the defendant could be heard saying: “This is what needs to happen to everyone in these boats. Right, you’re on English territory - this is England, this is not France anymore.”
Thomas charged on Thursday, September 24, and five days later was remanded in custody.
Joel Smith, prosecuting, said: “So far as the Crown is concerned, the plea is acceptable. If the court is willing to move to sentence, we ask that count one lies on file.”
Judge James Newton-Price said: “The Crown’s case is acceptable and I will proceed to sentence without a report. The question is when. I have seen that various documents have been uploaded, and I appreciate theres an issue about the maximum sentence.
“What I am minded to do is adjourn sentencing to a date next week. The defendant has been in custody for seven weeks, and I don’t want to delay it unduly.”
Simon Penton, representing Thomas, said: “I know Thomas wants the matter resolved as soon as possible.
“I’m in a bit of a cut-throat - my presence for this defendant, and another case I am involved in, is vital. If there’s anything that could be done to accomodate me and him next week, I would be hugely appreciative.”
Thomas will be sentenced on Wednesday, November 18, at 9.30am.