Danny Tommo has pleaded not guilty to criminal damage after he was filmed slashing a boat in the English Channel with an emergency responder on board.

The 37-year-old also pleaded not guilty for not disclosing to police the PIN to his phone at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was at court to see the hearing.

Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, was charged with criminal damage on Thursday.

A dozen journalists are in the courtroom, and Robinson is among those sitting in the public gallery. Police officers are stationed in public and in the seated waiting area outside.

Chris Derrick from the Crown Prosecution Service said on Thursday evening: “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Daniel Thomas following an investigation by Hampshire Constabulary into an incident on Tuesday 22 September.

“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial.”

Hundreds gathered outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke on Thursday evening in protest of Mr Thomas’ arrest.

A group of around 300 people, which mainly consisted of men wearing black, could be seen carrying Union flags and chanting “free DT’’.

Around a dozen police officers were at the scene monitoring the demonstration until his charge was announced and the protesters dispersed.

Hampshire Police said on Thursday: “A man has been charged in connection with an incident that occurred in the English Channel on Tuesday 22 September.

“The charges follow an allegation made to police that damage had been caused to a boat in the Channel whilst an emergency responder was on board.

“He was remanded in custody to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Friday 25 September) via videolink.”

More follows on this breaking news story. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent