Mother ‘caught at Channel with 12 Vietnamese in van’
A MOTHER is accused of helping to smuggle 12 Vietnamese illegal immigrants through the Channel Tunnel hidden in a van-load of tyres.
Katy Bethel, 28, from Gillingham, was a passenger in a Mercedes Sprinter vehicle driven by her friend Aaron Harris, also 28.
The mother of four was arrested when a UK Border Force official spotted a pair of jean-clad legs sticking out of a tyre.
Maidstone Crown Court heard Harris told the officer at the UK control zone in Coquelles, France, that everything in the van belonged to him except the tyres. He added that he and Bethel had been across the Channel for the first time on a day-trip and they had been to the beach.
But a jury was told the illegal entrants were discovered when Harris was asked to open the rear doors.
Prosecutor Michael Morris said: ‘The officer saw what appeared to be jeans within the tyres. He asked, “What’s that then?” and Aaron Harris replied, “How did he get in?” There were 12 Vietnamese nationals concealed in that load of tyres. All were illegal entrants trying to get into the UK.’ Bethel denies assisting unlawful immigration on July 4, 2015. Harris initially claimed the tyres belonged to his boss but has since pleaded guilty.
Mr Morris said the prosecution case is Bethel ‘knew or had reasonable cause for believing’ she and Harris were carrying out a breach of immigration law.
Following her arrest, Bethel’s iPhone revealed numerous internet searches for van hire. She made no comment when asked if she could provide ‘an innocent explanation’.
The trial continues.