Convicted Terrorist Returns Illegally to Britain
A convicted terrorist from Iraq, Rebwar Hamad, 48, has been locked up for more than two years after sneaking back into the UK by small boat. This marks his SECOND illegal entry to Britain, causing fresh security fears.
Hamad was caught arriving in Dover on September 19 when the RNLI intercepted his dinghy carrying migrants from France. Just months earlier, he had been released from an Italian prison where he was jailed for terrorism offences.
Paid People Smugglers £1,050 for Dangerous Crossing
After serving time in Italy, Hamad was told to leave within seven days. His UK visa was rejected, leaving him with one desperate option. He paid €1,200 (£1,050) to people smugglers to ferry him from France to the Kent coast by small boat.
When questioned by immigration officers at Margate police station, Hamad stayed silent. Later, he pleaded guilty to arriving without valid entry clearance. The court sentenced him to two years and three months at Canterbury Crown Court.
CPS Condemns ‘Blatant Disregard’ for UK Laws
The Crown Prosecution Service slammed Hamad’s flagrant breach of immigration laws after serving a terrorism sentence abroad. Peter Cockrill from the CPS said:
“Rebwar Hamad showed a blatant disregard for immigration rules by coming to the UK illegally for a second time and after serving a prison sentence for terrorism offences in Italy. The CPS argued in court that for these reasons he should receive the toughest sentence possible.”
Authorities vow to keep battling people smuggling networks and bringing offenders to justice.
From Refugee to Repeat Offender
- Hamad first arrived in the UK in 2001 and later got indefinite leave to remain.
- Convicted in absentia in Italy for terrorism in 2019, he was extradited there in 2020 to serve time.
- Denied a UK visa on release, he risked a dangerous Channel crossing instead.
This case highlights ongoing challenges facing UK border security amid rising small boat migrant crossings. Authorities remain on high alert for repeat offenders slipping through the net.
