Man denies being English Channel small boat pilot
Gareth Fuller/PA WireA man accused of illegally piloting a dinghy across the English Channel has denied two immigration offences.
Idris Abdu, originally from Eritrea but now living in Bradford, is accused of assisting unlawful immigration with a small boat crossing on May 13 last year.
The charge alleges he piloted a RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) which facilitated a breach of immigration law. The 24-year-old is also accused of arriving in the UK on the same date without valid entry clearance.
He plead not guilty to both offences at Bradford Crown Court earlier.
Abdu, who followed proceedings with the help of a Tigrinya interpreter, was granted unconditional bail by Judge Kirstie Watson ahead of another hearing scheduled in August.
His trial is due to begin on August 29 2028.
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