Two men have been jailed under a new criminal offence for endangering others during a sea journey, marking the first sentences handed down since the law came into effect in January. The legislation is part of the UK government's efforts to deter dangerous small boat crossings across the English Channel.
Sentences Handed Down at Canterbury Crown Court
Mohammad Tajik, a 32-year-old Afghan national, and Alnour Ali, a 26-year-old Sudanese national, were sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court. Tajik received a two-year prison term, while Ali was jailed for 27 months.
Judge Simon James highlighted the inherent dangers of attempting to navigate one of the world's busiest shipping lanes in vessels never designed for such journeys. He noted that the risk of death and serious injury is significantly increased when boats lack navigational aids, are overcrowded, and passengers lack adequate safety equipment.
First Convictions Under New Law
The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 introduced the offence of endangering another during a journey by sea to the UK from France, Belgium, or the Netherlands. Offenders face up to five years in prison, or up to six years if they breach a deportation order.
Tajik was the first to be convicted under the new law, pleading guilty on 21 April. According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), he abandoned the dinghy he was piloting across the Channel on 17 January when a rescue ship arrived. The boat was overcrowded, and some passengers were not wearing lifejackets during poor weather conditions.
Ali admitted the charge of endangering others during a sea crossing on 9 April, with his guilty plea entered in May. On that day, two men and two women drowned after being swept away by strong currents while trying to board a dinghy at Equihen-Plage, near Boulogne-sur-Mer in France. The judge stated there was no suggestion Ali should be held accountable for those tragic deaths.
Details of the Cases
During sentencing, Judge James remarked that footage of the boat Ali piloted showed people packed into every inch of available space. He said it was down to luck and good fortune that those onboard were rescued before coming to serious harm.
Emma Brown, a National Crime Agency branch operations manager, said after the conviction: “Working with colleagues at home and abroad, we are determined to do all we can to identify and bring to justice those responsible for small boat crossings. The tragic deaths illustrate again how perilous these crossings are and the callous nature of the criminals organising them.”
Deportation Considerations
In both cases, the judge noted that the Home Office will independently decide whether the men should be allowed to remain in the UK. Since their sentences exceed 12 months, they will be automatically considered for deportation by the Home Office.
