By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-06-24 12:21:00 | Updated at 2026-06-24 13:57:44
1 hour ago
An Algerian national has been jailed after piloting an overcrowded small boat across the Channel.
Azzeddine Ain-Bouzid was jailed for a total of 24 months at Canterbury Crown Court after pleading guilty to endangering lives at sea and arriving in the UK without valid entry clearance.
The 29-year-old piloted a small boat on April 18 carrying 67 people, including a pregnant woman, from the French coast into UK waters before being intercepted by Border Security Command vessels.
The small boat was suitable for only 20 people, with images showing severe overcrowding, with some people having to hang their legs over the side and have their feet in the water.
Ain-Bouzid dropped the boat tiller when one of the vessels came close, causing the boat to lose control, further endangering lives.
He was arrested by Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers on April 20.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum Alex Norris told GB News: This government is taking the fight to the smuggling gangs by tracking down and jailing small boat pilots.
"Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: we will use all available powers to ensure those who bring illegal migrants to our shores face justice."
Azzeddine Ain-Bouzid has been jailed
CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE
Mr Norris continued: "Disruptions to smuggling activity including arrests, convictions and seizures are up by nearly 50 per cent, and we will go even further to dismantle these criminal gangs."
More to follow...
