Man who steered small Channel boat sentenced to detention after four died

A man who steered a small boat across the Channel on a crossing during which at least four fellow passengers drowned has been sentenced to be detained for more than nine years.

Ibrahima Bah was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter and facilitating illegal entry to the UK on Monday, after a trial at Canterbury crown court.

Bah, who was one of the passengers being smuggled into the UK, was picked to steer the boat and given free passage by the people smugglers in return.

The jury heard his claim that he agreed to go through with it because he feared he would be killed if he did not. But the judge told Bah during a sentencing hearing on Friday that, while he considered he was coerced, the physical pressure he was placed under fell short of duress.

More details soon …