Two individuals convicted for attempts to smuggle people

Two men, who undertook several unsuccessful efforts to transport migrants across the English Channel, have been found guilty of assisting unlawful immigration. A third man had already confessed to the offense, with all three scheduled for sentencing at a later date. Freddy Lawrence, 57, from Folkestone, entered a guilty plea at Canterbury Crown Court on October 24. Meanwhile, Paul Giglia, 64, from Cheriton, and Keith Baigent, 63, also from Folkestone, were convicted at the same court on November 14 and 15, respectively. In August 2018, they made five attempts to bring Vietnamese migrants to the UK, as stated by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The National Crime Agency observed the group as it carried out five attempts to smuggle migrants over a 10-day period. Four of these journeys were made on a boat named Sorel Light. None of them succeeded due to recurring mechanical problems. The men had been conspiring with three associates who were arrested shortly before the final attempt and subsequently prosecuted in France. Acting on intelligence provided by the NCA, French police near Wimereux located the Sorel Light approximately 100m (328ft) from the beach. They observed 12 individuals of Vietnamese origin arriving in town and then gathering on the beach. Flashes of light were seen emanating from the Sorel Light, with corresponding signals from the migrants. Some individuals entered the water and began swimming towards the boat, at which point the French authorities intervened. One of Lawrence, Baigent, and Giglia’s associates jumped into the sea and tried to swim away but was apprehended. The person piloting the boat moved it away at high speed, causing several 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 discovered 11 Vietnamese migrants, along with two additional associates of Lawrence, Baigent, and Giglia. A twelfth migrant, who had fallen into the water, was also taken into custody. Lawrence, Baigent, and Giglia were arrested in October 2018 and charged with assisting unlawful immigration in May 2022. NCA senior investigating officer Dave Rock characterized it as a “completely reckless enterprise” which would have “put migrants into grave danger.” Home Office Minister for Border Security and Asylum Dame Angela Eagle stated they were “vile criminals” whose scheme “could have easily ended in tragedy.” She added: “Those who participate in this evil trade will face the full force of the law.” For updates, follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.