Chan Mathok Atak jailed over Channel boat with 165 migrants

He said this was an attempt to not to be identified as the helmsman.

However, Atak was seen during 90 minutes of aerial footage to be piloting the vessel using its one remaining functioning engine, the court heard.

Harrison said: “There’s no evidence to suggest that the defendant had any training or experience of conducting this type of navigation.

“The size of the vessel and the number of people on board presented an obvious danger. The vessel would have been unstable because of it deflating.”

Harrison said the risks of the crossing “would have been apparent to Atak”.

In an interview, Atak said he paid €200 euros (£172) to a gang for the crossing but denied he was the helmsman.

NCA senior investigating officer John Turner said: “Atak was unimaginably reckless and his actions could have easily resulted in many deaths had this boat not been intercepted.

“Not only did he place the lives of 165 migrants in severe peril, this flimsy vessel was entirely unsuitable for crossing one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.”

Endangerment at sea was made a new offence this year to target those alleged to have steered small boats over the Channel.

Anna Turley, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, described Atak as an “evil criminal”.

“He joins 16 other pilots sentenced in just three months for endangering lives with flimsy, overcrowded dinghies,” she said.

“This is a stark reminder of the ruthless acts used by smuggling gangs to exploit desperate people for profit, but today shows there is nowhere for them to hide.”

Additional reporting from PA Media.

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