A judge at Portsmouth Crown Court has refused bail to Daniel Thomas, known publicly as activist Danny Tommo, who remains in custody charged with criminal damage and failing to disclose a phone PIN to investigators. The 37-year-old appeared by video link from HMP Winchester on Tuesday, 29 September, in a case connected to an alleged incident involving a boat in the English Channel.
What Thomas Is Accused Of
Thomas, who has no fixed abode, faces two charges. The first is criminal damage, relating to an allegation that a boat was damaged while an emergency responder was onboard. The second is an offence under Section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, which concerns an alleged failure to comply with a notice requiring disclosure of a phone PIN. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed both charges followed the alleged Channel incident. Thomas denies both offences and has entered not guilty pleas.
Section 53 of RIPA is a provision that allows authorities, in specific circumstances, to compel individuals to hand over passwords or encryption keys to electronic devices during an investigation. Refusal to comply, absent a reasonable excuse, is itself a criminal offence, independent of whatever underlying inquiry prompted the request. Cases invoking this section are relatively uncommon and often attract scrutiny because they sit at the intersection of law enforcement powers and personal privacy, raising questions about how far the state can compel disclosure of digital information.
The Bail Hearing and Its Context
During Tuesday's hearing, an application was made for Thomas to be released to an address described in court only as being in "central Hampshire," with no further details given in open session. The judge rejected the application, meaning Thomas will remain remanded in custody. Thomas, seen holding a Bible during the proceedings, became visibly emotional as the judge addressed his case. Family members watched from the public gallery.
Bail decisions of this kind typically weigh factors such as the severity of the alleged offence, the risk of flight, the likelihood of interference with witnesses or evidence, and whether conditions could adequately manage any risk if the defendant were released. Judges are required to balance the presumption of innocence against public protection concerns and the practicalities of ensuring a defendant's attendance at trial.
Background to the Case
The charges stem from events on Tuesday, 22 September, when protests took place in Gosport following reports of a small boat crossing the English Channel. Police said officers were deployed to the town to facilitate peaceful protest, protect the local community, and support partner agencies in case of an emergency at sea. Six people were arrested in connection with incidents that evening. Thomas's charges relate separately to an allegation that a boat was damaged in the Channel while an emergency responder was aboard.
He was charged on 24 September and appeared the following day at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded not guilty to both counts and was remanded in custody. Thomas has not been convicted of either offence, and the allegations remain to be tested in court.
What Happens Next
Thomas is due to appear before the court again on Thursday, 12 November, with a provisional trial date set for 1 March 2027. The case continues at Portsmouth Crown Court, where the criminal damage allegation and the RIPA charge will be determined in due course.