Danny Tommo clutches Bible in court appearance as he’s refused bail over ‘dinghy slashing’

Police officers outside Portsmouth Courts of Justice on Tuesday (Picture: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

Far-right activist Danny Tommo has been refused bail at his latest court appearance after he was charged with criminal damage to a boat in the English Channel.

The 37-year-old – real name Daniel Thomas, whose address was withheld in a previous hearing – appeared via video link from prison at Portsmouth Crown Court on Tuesday, September 29.

He could be seen wearing a grey T-shirt and holding a copy of the Bible as he was remanded in custody.

On September 25, he pleaded not guilty to a charge of criminal damage after he allegedly slashed a boat in the English Channel with an emergency responder on board on September 22.

Danny Tommo speaks to Reform UK home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf in Portsmouth (Picture: Theo Shaw/PA Wire) Court sketch of Danny Tommo from a previous hearing on September 25, 2026 (Picture: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire)

He also denied failing to disclose the PIN to his phone to police, under Section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

The father-of-four, described as a professional roofer, was seen dabbing his eyes with a tissue during the previous hearing before he was refused bail.

A provisional trial date was set on Tuesday for March 1, 2027.

Simon Pentol KC, defending, had proposed a ‘package of bail conditions’ and said that, were Thomas to be granted bail, ‘he would be in no doubt whatsoever that one foot or thought – if that is what it’s coming to – or gesture or comment out of place would render him liable to be in breach of his bail.’

Mr Pentol added: ‘He is prepared to put himself in that position to be able to return to his family today.’

On his decision to refuse Thomas bail, Judge James Newton-Price KC 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 appeared via videolink at Portsmouth Crown Court today (Picture: Justin Tallis / AFP via Getty Images)

Mr Pentol said the allegation against his client was ‘politically charged and fundamentally flawed’.

‘The court is dealing with a man charged with criminal damage simplicita and an offence of failing to comply with a section 49 notice regarding the key to a phone,’ Mr Pentol said.

‘He is not charged and has never been charged with widespread public disorder.’

Judge Newton-Price told the defendant: ‘I have adjourned this case to the next hearing, which will take place on Thursday, November 12. I have set dates for service of evidence.

‘At that hearing on November 12, you will appear by the court videolink system and your counsel, Mr Pentol, I have given permission to appear by videolink as well.

‘I have set a trial date, provisionally at least, for 1st March next year and custody time limits are 25th March.’

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