A 45-YEAR-OLD UK man will stand trial in February after allegedly breaking the Island’s immigration law by carrying two Albanian nationals on a boat from France to Jersey.
James Andrew Harris, of Eaton Bray in Bedfordshire, appeared in the Royal Court yesterday to deny two charges of assisting unlawful immigration on 25 July 2026.
During a previous hearing at the Magistrate’s Court, it was said that Mr Harris arrived in Jersey on Friday 24 July before allegedly transporting the two men over from France the following day.
The court heard that the Albanian men claimed asylum when they arrived in Jersey, but were refused entry by Jersey Customs and Immigration Services officers and returned to France.
Crown Advocate Lauren Hallam, prosecuting, said that the not guilty pleas entered by Mr Harris were not accepted by the Crown.
“I ask the court to remand the defendant in custody for a Jurat trial commencing on 8 February, with a time estimate of three days, and to fix a plea and directions hearing for 5 November at 9.15am”, she added.
Advocate James Bell, representing Mr Harris, made no application for bail.
Commissioner Michael Birt, presiding, agreed to the proposed dates and remanded Mr Harris in custody ahead of the plea and directions hearing on 5 November.
Mr Harris, who appeared at the plea hearing remotely from HMP La Moye, thanked the court before leaving the video link.
