Two men convicted for people smuggling attempts

Two men who made several failed attempts to transport migrants across the English Channel have been convicted of assisting unlawful immigration.

A third man had already admitted the offence, with all three due to be sentenced at a later date.

Freddy Lawrence, 57, from Folkestone, pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on 24 October, while Paul Giglia, 64, from Cheriton, and Keith Baigent, 63, from Folkestone, were convicted at the same court on 14 and 15 November respectively.

In August 2018, they made five attempts to bring Vietnamese migrants to the UK, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

The National Crime Agency observed the group as it made five attempts to smuggle migrants during a 10-day period.

Four of the trips were on a boat called Sorel Light. None were successful due to repeated mechanical issues.

The men had been conspiring with three associates who were arrested shortly before the final attempt and prosecuted in France.

Acting on information provided by the NCA, French police near Wimereux spotted the Sorel Light about 100m (328ft) from the beach.

They saw 12 people of Vietnamese origin arrive in town and then gather on the beach.

Flashes of light were seen coming from the Sorel Light, with return signals from the migrants.

Some entered the water and swam towards the boat, at which point the French authorities intervened.

One of Lawrence, Baigent and Giglia's associates jumped into the sea and attempted to swim away but was apprehended.

The person piloting the boat moved it away at speed, causing a number of French officers to fall off a ladder and into the water.

The police eventually caught up with the vessel and detained those on board.

They found 11 Vietnamese migrants, together with a further two of Lawrence, Baigent and Giglia's associates.

A twelfth migrant, who had fallen into the water, was also detained.

Lawrence, Baigent and Giglia were arrested in October 2018 and charged with assisting unlawful immigration in May 2022.

NCA senior investigating officer Dave Rock called it a "completely reckless enterprise" which would have "put migrants into grave danger".

Home Office Minister for Border Security and Asylum Dame Angela Eagle said they were "vile criminals" whose scheme "could have easily ended in tragedy".

She said: "Those who participate in this evil trade will face the full force of the law."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.