Robin Hounsham, accused of smuggling 12 migrants into the United Kingdom via East Cowes on a yacht back in 2020, has denied the charge put against him.
The 54-year-old, of Ashey Road in Ryde, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to facilitate the unlawful entry and/or attempted entry into the UK of non-EU citizens between 1st January 2020 and 30th June 2020.
Hounsham – who also goes by the name of Robbie – is accused of allegedly smuggling 12 people into the country after a boat was stopped in East Cowes Marina back in 2020.
The case was due to be heard back in November but Hounsham didn’t attend the Magistrates Court hearing, with the court instead finding out that it was believed he wasn’t actually in the country at all.
The 54-year-old has been bailed to appear at the Isle of Wight Crown Court for trial on 14th August.
A case management hearing is listed for 18th April.
