CASE HISTORIES
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A driver en route from Germany said he checked the trailer's padlocks at every stop, and just before boarding the ferry. However, stowaways were discovered at Dover, and his defence was rejected because there was no written checklist signed by a witness. His defence lawyer argued that the immigrants could not have been there long because, although it was an aluminium trailer, there was little condensation.
A Dutch haulier with three trucks has had a vehicle seized and an offer to pay £5,000 rejected by the immigration authority; it is now considering an offer of £10,000. Holding on to his truck, says Tim Culpin, is effectively seizing one third of this haulier's income.
In a similar case an Irish haulier faced a.£10,000 penalty and had his vehicle returned on payment of 12,000 security.