We represented a client who appeared before Canterbury Crown Court for his role in the cross-border importation of more than 20 kilograms of high-purity cocaine. Despite the prosecution seeking a substantial increase on the sentencing guideline starting point, the court ultimately imposed a sentence of 6 years and 8 months' imprisonment, significantly below the sentence sought by the prosecution.

Our client was accused of breaching a non molestation order on two separate occasions and using threatening words of behaviour.

Our client, JI, a Lithuanian national and HGV driver employed by a European Haulage company, was stopped by Border Force at Coquelles following transit through Poland, Holland, Belgium and France.

We argued that the officer who detained our client was not acting lawfully because he had not introduced himself before detaining him. The officer gave evidence, saying that the way he carried out the search was good practice, and that he was doing his job in the proper way.

Our client was charged with four counts, three in relation to possession with intent to supply of Class A and Class B drugs. Count four in relation to possession of a bladed article.