Overview
- Arman Naseri, an 18-year-old Afghan national, is charged with endangering others during a sea crossing and arriving without valid entry clearance.
- He pleaded not guilty at Thanet Magistrates’ Court in Margate on Wednesday as proceedings formally began.
- The CPS says the alleged conduct occurred on 5 January, the day the new offence took effect under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025.
- According to the CPS, the Home Office referred the case just after midnight on 7 January and a prosecutor authorised charges by 3:30am after reviewing the evidence.
- Prosecutors told the court he piloted a boat carrying 46 others, and the Home Office says the offence targets conduct that puts lives at risk during Channel crossings with penalties of up to five years in prison.