Three Men Jailed Over Illegal Migrant Boat Smuggling
Three men have been locked up for between three and eight years after plotting to smuggle Albanian migrants into the UK by boat. The harsh sentences were handed down today (18 March 2022) at Newport Crown Court.
Boat Trips from France Put Lives at Risk
Jean-Pierre Labelle, 45, from Ryde, led the operation, organising two dangerous voyages from Cherbourg, France. He also sourced the boats and recruited experts to make the risky trips possible.
Labelle brought Stephen Redhead, 47, from Shanklin, on board due to his knowledge of one vessel, the “Anore”. Redhead then enlisted Christopher Barber, 55, also from Shanklin, for his engineering skills.
Profit Over People – Shocking Safety Failures
All three men put money before safety. The “Anore” was poorly maintained, while the second boat used, called the “Freedom”, had just one lifejacket on board when French police intercepted it. Their blatant disregard for the migrants’ welfare was clear.
Prosecutors Send Strong Message
“We are dedicated to prosecuting people who seek to transport others to the UK illegally, often in dangerous circumstances,” said Ian Harris, CPS Wessex Senior Crown Prosecutor. “It is vitally important that we continue to disrupt this level of organised crime.”
Sentences Handed Down
- Jean-Pierre Labelle: 8 years in prison
- Stephen Redhead: 5 years in prison
- Christopher Barber: 3 years in prison
