A Ryde man charged over his alleged part in an immigration offence that saw 12 people smuggled onto the Island in 2020 has seen his case sent to the Isle of Wight Crown Court, although he is currently residing overseas.
54-year-old Robin Hounsham – also known as Robbie – from Ashey Road in Ryde, was due to appear before Magistrates on Tuesday morning, charged with conspiracy to facilitate the unlawful entry and/or attempted entry into the UK of non-EU citizens.
It is alleged the offences occurred between 1st January 2020 and 30th June 2020.
The charge is in connection with an incident in which a yacht returned to East Cowes Marina on 19th March 2020 with 12 additional people on board who were suspected of entering the UK illegally.
As a result of Hounsham’s non-attendance, the case was heard in his absence after it was discovered he wasn’t currently in the United Kingdom. He is believed to be in Cyprus.
The case was sent to the Isle of Wight Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing that is to be heard on 9th January 2023. His bail has been extended until then.
