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.

A search of the vehicle identified three Albanian nationals concealed within a sauna unit forming part of the load. The unit was positioned within the trailer and surrounded by multiple pallets of boxed goods.

JI was charged and remanded in custody for six months pending trail.

Defence

The defence case was that JI had no knowledge of the individuals in the vehicle. It was asserted that entry had been gained without his knowledge and that those involved had concealed themselves within the load in a manner making detection difficult. We instructed Mr Mark Henderson from Keith Borer Consultants as tachograph expert to support our defence.

Outcome

Following a 5-day trail at Canterbury Crown Court, the jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts after 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Our client was instructed by:

• Ronnie Manek - Partner & Head of Crown Court Advocacy

• Gabriella Friend - Pupil Barrister

• Jack Stewart - Partner & Supervising Solicitor

• Lily Ward - Paralegal