Library image: Canterbury Crown Court
A criminal gang that attempted to smuggle Vietnamese migrants across the English Channel in dangerously unseaworthy boats has been sentenced.
Led by 57-year-old Freddy Lawrence from Folkestone, the group made multiple attempts to transport migrants from France to the UK during a 10-day period in August 2018. Four of these attempts involved a dilapidated vessel called the ‘Sorel Light.’
Lawrence, along with his associates Keith Baigent from Folkestone and, Paul Giglia from Cheriton, were watched by the National Crime Agency (NCA) during their operations. Despite numerous mechanical failures and a complete lack of navigational expertise, the group persisted in their efforts.
The gang’s attempts were ultimately thwarted by a combination of mechanical breakdowns, French police intervention, and international cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
Lawrence pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on 24 October 2024, with Giglia and Baigent convicted at the same court on 14 and 15 November 2024 respectively.
At Canterbury Crown Court on 17 January 2025, Lawrence was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years imprisonment, Baigent to three years nine months imprisonment and Giglia to three years and four months imprisonment.
Authorities emphasized the extreme danger of these illegal crossings and reiterated their commitment to dismantling criminal networks involved in people smuggling.