Two Men Guilty of Smuggling Migrants into UK by Yacht
Portsmouth Jury Unanimous in People Smuggling Convictions
Two men caught smuggling migrants into the UK by sea have been found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court. Stephen Redhead, 47, from Newport, and Christopher Barber, 55, from Shanklin, were unanimously convicted of conspiring to breach UK immigration law. The verdict follows a seven-day trial.
Yacht ‘Anore’ Used to Sneak Migrants into East Cowes Marina
On 17 March 2020, alongside Jean Pierre Labelle, 45, from Ryde—who pleaded guilty earlier—Redhead and Barber sailed from Cherbourg, France, on a 70ft yacht named ‘Anore’. They returned two days later to East Cowes Marina with 10 suspected illegal migrants onboard.
CCTV footage showed the migrants disembarking, prompting Hampshire Constabulary and the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) to launch an investigation. Despite efforts, the migrants remain untraced due to the late reporting of the incident.
Failed Second Smuggling Attempt Ends in French Interception
In June 2020, Labelle attempted another smuggling run using a small boat called ‘Freedom’. The operation was stopped in a joint effort by SEROCU, the National Crime Agency, and French authorities. Six Albanians onboard were found without UK entry clearance, while two accomplices faced prosecution in France.
Senior Officer Warns of Risks in People Smuggling
“We know the dangers people face being smuggled across the English Channel and tragically, this and other methods can have lethal consequences,” said Clair Trueman, Senior Investigating Officer at SEROCU. “Our work continues to target smugglers exploiting migrants for profit with no regard for their safety.”
Stephen Redhead remains in custody while Christopher Barber has been granted bail. Both are set for sentencing at Isle of Wight Crown Court on 18 March.
