One Year in Prison for Small Boat Immigrants Not Excessive, Court of Appeal Rules

The sentencing guidance was made by senior judges after a Turkish national intercepted in the English Channel with 50 others appealed against his jail term.

A group of people thought to be migrants crossing the English Channel in a small boat traveling from the coast of France and heading in the direction of Dover, Kent on Aug. 29, 2023. PA Media

Illegal immigrants who arrive in the UK via small boats face a minimum of 12 months behind bars, according to new guidance from the Court of Appeal.

The starting sentence for arriving, or attempting to arrive, in the UK without entry clearance—a new law introduced under the new Nationality and Borders Act—was found to be appropriate by a panel of senior judges.