Child charged with endangering lives in Channel crossing under controversial new law

"The CPS argued the prosecution was in the public interest due to the seriousness of the offence, despite the child being assessed as under 18."

"A conviction for endangerment carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison for an adult, or six years if the person has knowingly entered the UK in breach of a deportation order."

"Mr Willmott stated that if the Crown decided not to prosecute, others may exploit young people to pilot boats, seeing it as an opportunity to avoid prosecution."

A child has been charged with endangering others during a boat crossing to the UK under a new law. The boy, assessed as under 18, is in local authority care. The Crown Prosecution Service argued for prosecution due to the seriousness of the offence. The law, effective since December, applies to water journeys from France, Belgium, or the Netherlands. A conviction could lead to significant prison time for adults. The prosecution emphasized the need to deter the use of minors in such activities.

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