AN IRISHMAN has been jailed in Britain after admitting his part in an international people-smuggling conspiracy.
Wayne Sherlock, 41, originally from Co. Meath, was detained by officers from the National Crime Agency in Dover in March 2020.
His arrest came after police in Belgium discovered 10 migrants hiding in the back of a lorry carrying tyres.
Sherlock, recently of Eythorn, Kent, pleaded guilty to conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration.
On Tuesday, a judge at Maidstone Crown Court sentenced him to four years in prison.
According to Kent Online, Judge Robert Lazarus said Sherlock 'occupied a very significant role' in the people-trafficking operation.
Four other men arrested as part of the same investigation are due to stand trial in April 2023.
"Tackling organised immigration crime is a priority for the NCA," said Belfast branch commander David Cunningham.
"People smugglers put lives at risk in pursuit of profit, and we are determined to do all we can to disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks involved in this exploitative crime."
