Great-Grandfather Faces £6,000 Fine After Migrant Found in Trailer

Peter Hughes, a 75-year-old man and retired ambulance driver, is facing a £6,000 fine after border authorities found a migrant hiding in a trailer linked to his converted motorhome. He has been given 60 days to pay this hefty penalty after French authorities discovered the individual during routine checks at the Port of Calais. Hughes described the fine as “obscene” and expressed disbelief at being held responsible for the situation, considering he has devoted his career to helping others. He received a long-service award from the North West Ambulance Service and retired in 2000, having dedicated 21 years to the profession.

During a recent camping trip across Europe, Hughes and his wife, Anne, did not realize that a young Sudanese man had been concealed within their trailer. They had stopped at a supermarket to gather supplies before their return to the UK and believe the migrant likely entered their trailer during that time. The situation escalated when a "foot and leg" were seen protruding from the trailer cover, prompting the French police's involvement.

Upon arriving back home in Tameside, Hughes was shocked to find a letter notifying him of an investigation into the incident. Following that, he received communication from the UK Border Force detailing his liability for the £6,000 fine, citing the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Although Hughes had complied with all necessary regulations, the letter claimed he failed to perform proper checks on the trailer before reaching immigration controls.

Determined to challenge this decision, Hughes intends to appeal the fine and communicate with his local MP, Angela Rayner, and the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper. He remarked on the emotional toll this has taken on him, stating that he feels wronged by the situation and that it could happen to anyone. With a registered disabled spouse and considering his own age, Hughes insists he cannot accept the fine and aims to raise awareness about such incidents.