By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-12-29 18:12:35 | Updated at 2025-01-01 17:24:05
2 days ago
A 75-year-old pensioner has had his £6,000 fine reduced to £150 after a Sudanese migrant was discovered hiding in his camping trailer at the port of Calais.
Great-grandfather Peter Hughes and his wife Anne were returning to the UK from a holiday in France when authorities found the man stowed inside their small trailer attached to their converted motorhome.
The couple were unaware of the migrant's presence, believing he had entered the trailer while they were shopping at a French supermarket before their ferry journey.
The substantial reduction in the penalty came following an appeal that attracted significant political and media attention.
A 75-year-old pensioner was fined after a migrant was discovered hiding in his camping trailer at the port of Calais (Stock Image)
PA
The letter stated "the Secretary of State had decided" Hughes was liable for the £6,000 penalty.
Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and Hughes' local MP, intervened in the case, working with her office to support his appeal.
Following her involvement and Hughes' written notice of objection, UK Border Force reviewed the case and issued a revised fine.
"I was on the phone first thing on the Monday following the arrival of the letter on the Friday," Hughes said.
"When I rang them they had to double check the amount, it was still showing £6,000."
He added: "I don't think the woman who answered my call was impressed with my reaction when she asked for the full amount."
Hughes expressed gratitude for the support he received, stating: "I very much appreciate the help and support from the media and Angela Rayner and her staff."
Hughes urged greater awareness among holidaymakers travelling to Europe with trailers.
Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and Hughes' local MP, intervened in the case
PA
"There are many people that travel into Europe for camping holidays – the more of them that are aware of what can happen the better," he said.
"The stress upon us has been awful," Hughes added, describing his experience.
He suggested ferry companies and Eurotunnel could warn travellers with trailers that illegal immigrants target all vehicles, not just HGVs.
The Home Office explained that the Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme aims to secure the border and target negligence.
The scheme, operating under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, requires drivers to take reasonable steps to deter irregular migration.
Officials clarified that cases involving deliberate people smuggling would be prosecuted in courts rather than handled through civil penalties.
