Smuggler jailed for a year
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A TRUCK DRIVER has been jailed for a year for attempting to smuggle more than a million cigarettes into the UK.
Maidstone Crown Court heard that Eric Hargreaves from Cockermouth was stopped at Dover Port on 17 May 2003 after his truck passed through the X-ray machine. Customs officers discovered a handle behind the rear light which opened a panel in the side of the vehicle where the cigarettes were hidden, Hargreaves denied evading duty but was convicted. In mitigation, John Burrow told the court that Hargreaves had suffered for his actions: his marriage had broken down and he had been forced to file for bankruptcy.
Passing sentence, Recorder Kenneth Parker QC noted the mitigating circumstances, but added:-You didn't plead guilty and therefore I can't give you credit that such a plea would have carried. There is evidence that this was a professionalsmuggling operation.There were others involved. In all the circumstances,it seems tome that the gravity of the offence.just [lies only a custodial sentence."
Customs spokesman Nigel Knott says: "The sentence reflects the court's view of the severity of this offence, and should act as a warning to any other cigarette smugglers. The fact that the smuggled goods were discovered by the scanner also highlights the importance of new technology."