Innocent! Common sense prevails over ‘people smuggling’ charge

A Welshpool businessman who was fined £3,000 for ‘trafficking illegal immigrants’ to the UK in his campervan has had all charges dropped after taking the Home Office to court.

Mike Vaughan said “I thought I was doing the right thing” after finding two illegal immigrants hidden in his campervan during a cross channel ferry from France.

He was on his way home from a month following the Rugby World Cup in France last year, when he noticed his on-board toilet had been used. A quick search uncovered two males hidden in his van, so he immediately reported it to Brittany Ferries security personnel and then gave statements to immigration on arrival in Portsmouth.

But he was stunned to be issued with a fine for £3,000 several months later.

“There was just no way I was going to accept it as I haven’t done anything wrong,” said Mike, who launched a legal challenge on his own after local solicitors refused to take on his case.

“It’s caused a lot of stress and so much time and effort, but after lodging an appeal with Wrexham County Court, the Home Office have decided to cancel all fines.”

Mike’s appeal was lodged after his initial letter to the Secretary of State was reviewed, but the fine - £1,500 for each illegal immigrant – was upheld.

“It’s ridiculous. I appealed because I was thinking how many other people has this happened to and how they have probably just been bullied into paying up.

“This reminds me of the Post Office scandal where innocent members of the public are bullied into paying thousands of pounds, or face going to prison, for doing nothing wrong.”

Mike said the whole experience has cost him thousands of pounds so he has started a new challenge to claim his expenses back from the Home Office, and his case will be heard at Wrexham County Court on August 30.

“It’s completely wrong and needs highlighting so I am willing to help anyone who has found themselves in the same situation,” he said.

But the whole experience hasn’t put Mike off from touring the continent with a trip through France, Spain and Portugal on the cards.

“To be honest I can’t do anymore to keep my campervan secure. The two fellas broke in, but I am not sure what I would do next time if I find someone!” he said.