Man charged with using pleasure boat to smuggle at least 10 people to UK from Normandy

October 04, 2023

A man has been charged with people smuggling offences after a pleasure boat was allegedly used to transport at least 10 people to the UK from Normandy.

Tony Williams, 58, from Lydford, Devon, is accused of conspiracy to facilitate illegal immigration and assisting illegal immigration.

In June 2022, Williams allegedly used a pleasure craft - a boat that traditionally takes people for trips on rivers, lakes, or on the sea for fun - to transport at least 10 people from Normandy, the National Crime Agency said.

It is alleged a number of people were seen running to waiting cars after leaving a boat as it moored at Slapton Sands in Devon.

Andy Macgill, from the agency, said: "Tackling organised immigration crime continues to be a priority for the National Crime Agency and we will work with partners in the UK and overseas to target crime groups at every step of the route."

Williams is expected to appear before Exeter Crown Court on 30 October.

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