Illegal entry case halted
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• A lorry driver found to have 14 illegal immigrants in his trailer walked free after the case against him collapsed.
The charge against Alan Grace of facilitating illegal entry was, however, left on file when vital evidence was disallowed and the prosecution decided not to proceed.
Grace, of Swansea, was told by Judge Jonathan Langdon: "This is not the same as being found not guilty. It lies on file unless the prosecution comes to court with a good reason why it should be activated."
Canterbury Crown Court heard on 3 July that 54-year-old Grace was arrested when he arrived at Dover docks in January last year. The judge said it was a crucial piece of evidence that the illegal entrants were discovered in the back of the lorry.
Paul Tapsell, defending, pointed out that the lorry was not properly secured and the tarpau lin was flapping in the wind. This, he said, allowed the immigrants to get in of their own volition. Grace gave a full interview, and what he said was supported, he added.
Judge Langdon praised John Archer of Hythe for providing information on the case to Customs & Excise. "I apologise for the inconvenience," he said, "but commend you warmly for your public-spirited attitude in reporting suspicious circumstances to the authorities."