Two men have been jailed for smuggling themselves and 23 other people across the Channel on two small boats.
Iraqi national Assad Abdul Latif Sayed Abdulghany, 30, and Iranian national Ali Azarkish, 23, were both sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment on Friday.
They had previously admitted assisting unlawful immigration into the UK.
Two men have been jailed for smuggling themselves and 23 other people across the Channel on two small boats.https://t.co/2ugpFAAIk9
— BBC South East (@bbcsoutheast) November 3, 2020
Their convictions were secured at Canterbury Crown Court with the help of Border Force footage which showed the men in control of their vessels.
Abdulghany and Azarkish had their rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) intercepted at sea on 15 September.
Abdulghany had attempted the crossing with 16 others, including six children, while Azarkish tried to bring seven people to the UK.
In his interview, Abdulghany claimed to have paid £4,000 for the crossing, the Home Office said.
Azarkish said he was told it was €2,500 (£2,240) to be smuggled to the UK by boat, but that if he steered, the journey would be free.
On Thursday last week, two Iranian men were sentenced to 24 months for attempting to cross the Channel with 29 people on two boats.
A week ago, four people, including two children, died when the boat they were on sank off the coast of northern France.
Clandestine Channel Threat Commander Dan O'Mahoney said: "The tragic events of last week reinforces how critical it is to end the viability of the small boats route.
"Preventing any further loss of life is my priority."
All the jailed men will automatically be considered for deportation at the end of their sentences.
Latest Stories
-
Bellingham wins Laureus Breakthrough award
6 mins -
GPL: Berekum Chelsea beat Medeama to go fifth
10 mins -
Debt Restructuring: Government to reach agreement with IPPs in May
28 mins -
It’s time for Ghana to move from NPP and NDC – Abu Sakara insists
34 mins -
NCCE launches 2024 Annual Constitution Week in Kumasi
37 mins -
Dumsor: Yvonne Nelson criticises Akufo-Addo for taking Ghanaians for granted, proposes another vigil
39 mins -
GFA appoints Zito, Preko and Amadu to take charge of newly created male national teams
48 mins -
Government committed to enhancing the condition of roads in Kumasi – Asenso-Boakye
1 hour -
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, April 23, 2024
1 hour -
Siblings remanded over alleged missing penis
1 hour -
174 countries to gather in Ottawa for pivotal talks on plastic pollution
1 hour -
6 tiny tricks that make you immune to disappointment
1 hour -
Dumsor: Energy sector needs a leader, says Nana Amoasi VII
2 hours -
Reality zone with Vicky Wireko: Ending malaria: Optimism as world marks Malaria Day
2 hours -
Frema Opare supports Asanteman queen mothers with GH¢200k donation
6 hours