First conviction under new UK law for endangering others during sea crossing

An Afghan migrant has become the first person convicted under a new UK law for endangering others during a sea crossing.

Tajik Mohammad, 32, pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court to piloting an overcrowded dinghy across the English Channel in poor weather on 17 January.

The dinghy was overcrowded and some passengers were not wearing life jackets.

Mohammad abandoned the dinghy and its passengers when a rescue ship arrived, before reaching the UK later that day where he was arrested.

The charge falls under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, which came into force in January to prevent unsafe migrant crossings and those facilitating them.

The offence carries a prison sentence of up to five years, or six years if the offender breaches a deportation order.

This case is significant as it marks the first conviction under the new legislation aimed at reducing dangerous crossings and protecting lives.

It follows reports of "floating crime scenes" where reckless behaviour has led to deaths by crushes and drownings.

A 16-year-old Afghan national was the first person charged under the law in January but has denied the offence.

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