Droylsden Couple Devastated By £6,000 Fine For Stowaway Migrant

A retired couple from Droylsden, Greater Manchester, have been left devastated after receiving a £6,000 fine from the UK Border Agency for unknowingly transporting a stowaway migrant in their trailer. Peter Hughes, 75, and Anne Lawton, 78, were shocked to discover a young Sudanese man hidden in their camping equipment just before boarding a ferry to France.

Key Takeaways

• The couple were fined £6,000 after a stowaway was found in their trailer.
• They had no knowledge of the migrant’s presence and believe he entered while they were at a supermarket.
• The Home Office states the fine is aimed at targeting negligence, not criminality.
• The couple are appealing the fine and have contacted their MP for assistance.

The Incident

On 7 May, the couple, who have been regular travellers to Europe, stopped at a supermarket before heading to the ferry terminal in Calais. After checking in, UK Border Force staff inspected their trailer and discovered a young man curled up among their camping gear. Mr Hughes described the shocking moment, stating, "You could have knocked me down with a feather when I opened the cover and there was a pair of feet. The guy was literally bent up like a pretzel round the camping chairs."

The Aftermath

Following the discovery, the couple had to surrender their passports and driving licence, waiting for hours until French police arrived to take the stowaway away. They missed their ferry and were left in a state of anxiety for months. On receiving a letter from the Border Force, they learned they had not conducted the required checks on their trailer and were liable for a £6,000 fine.

Mr Hughes expressed his distress, saying, "We’ve been sweating since May and I’ve not slept since we got the letter." His wife, Ms Lawton, added, "It’s disgusting, do they think as old people we would do this deliberately?"

Government Response

The Home Office defended the fine, stating that the Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme is designed to secure the UK border and target negligence. They emphasised that drivers must take reasonable steps to deter irregular migration. The couple have been informed that they can appeal the fine, and the option to trigger a review is included in the documentation they received.

Next Steps

The couple have until Christmas Eve to pay the fine unless their appeal is successful. They have reached out to their local MP, Angela Rayner, whose team is currently investigating the situation. Ms Lawton noted, "The only good thing to come out of this is that other tourists will know to check their trailers."

This incident highlights the challenges faced by individuals who may unknowingly become involved in complex immigration issues, raising questions about the fairness of penalties imposed on those who are not aware of the circumstances surrounding their travel.

Sources

• Droylsden couple ‘destroyed’ over £6k fine for stowaway migrant, BBC.