Uncle and nephew sentenced for people-smuggling operation

A MAN who smuggled six Vietnamese nationals as part of an organised immigration crime gang has been sentenced to three years in prison, while the relative who aided him has been given a two-year suspended term.

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Christopher Crittenden, 45, and his nephew Jake Crittenden, 30, admitted smuggling the individuals from Calais to Dover in 2019.

In addition to his suspended prison sentence, Jake Crittenden was also ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and will have to wear an electronic tag for four months.

Both men were prosecuted after being caught by Immigration Enforcement officers with five men and one woman hiding under fishing gear in the trailer they were towing.

They initially denied knowing the people were there and claimed they were returning from a fishing trip to France.