Anti-Migrant Activist Faces Charges Over Protests at Port of Dover

A self-described anti-migrant activist appeared in court this week to face a series of charges related to his activities at the Port of Dover, where he allegedly targeted arriving vessels to film and shout at migrants.

Daniel Thomas, 37—widely known by his online alias “Danny Tommo”—faced six charges brought forward by the Port of Dover’s dedicated police force during a hearing at Margate Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. The charges stem from a series of incidents that took place at the Kent coast facility earlier this year.

During the proceedings, Mr. Thomas entered a guilty plea to one count of entering a restricted harbour area at the Western Jet Foil, a facility used as a short-term holding site for migrants arriving via small boats, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. This incident occurred on March 31.

However, the defendant entered not-guilty pleas to the remaining five charges. These allegations include using threatening or abusive words or behavior to cause distress on April 1, and two counts of trespassing on Dover Western Docks and the Dunkirk Jetty on April 6. Additionally, he faces accusations of using racially abusive language or behavior with the intent to cause harassment or distress.

The case is being handled by the Port of Dover police, a private force funded by the port authority rather than the Home Office. Despite their private funding, officers within this force hold the same legal powers and authority as constables in any other UK police department.

Court documents noted that Mr. Thomas, who resides in a caravan, maintained a defiant stance regarding his actions. Speaking to supporters and media prior to his appearance on Thursday, he claimed his presence at the port was motivated by a desire to conduct “exposés” on the south coast.

“The reason I am here is because of my activism and my exposés in Dover,” Thomas said. “I did what I did to bring you, the public, some of the truth of what is happening on the south coast.”

The legal proceedings follow a period of heightened tensions at the UK’s borders, where the arrival of small boats has frequently become a focal point for various protest groups. The Port of Dover police are expected to continue their prosecution as the case moves toward further hearings.