Tom Worden and Paul Hogben represent defendant in first sentencing under new “sea crossings” offence

Tom Worden and Paul Hogben represented one of two “small boats” pilots who were the first to be sentenced under the new offence of endangering lives during sea crossings (contrary to s24(E1A) Immigration Act 1971, as amended by s21 Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025).

The case of Ali Alnour, who pleaded guilty to the charge at PTPH, came before HHJ James at Canterbury Crown Court on 10^th June 2026 for sentence. The Crown’s evidence showed Mr Alnour piloting a dingy across the Channel, after it had left the French coast on its journey to the UK. There were 74 people on board, many without life jackets, some sitting on the tubes of the dingy with their legs in the water. In the absence of any sentencing guidelines submissions were made by the defence as to the proper approach to sentence. Mr Alnour was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment. The case was widely reported in the media.

Tom Worden and Paul Hogben were instructed by Palmers Solicitors. Read more about the matter below:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c5yz9pvvwg9t
https://www.cps.gov.uk/south-east/news/first-sentences-migrants-who-risked-lives-others-during-small-boat-crossing
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jun/10/two-men-jailed-for-putting-lives-at-risk-during-small-boat-journeys-to-uk
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39365238/first-small-boat-pilots-jailed-migrant/
https://news.sky.com/story/jail-for-first-offenders-sentenced-under-new-channel-crossing-law-13552554