Afghan national Mohammad Tajik, 32, and Sudanese national Alnour Ali, 26, have been jailed at Canterbury Crown Court for two years and 27 months respectively becoming the first people to be sentenced for a new offence of endangering others during a Channel crossing.

Afghan national Tajik Mohammad and Sudanese national Alnour Ali appered at Canterbury Crown Court on Wednesday over two separate dangerous journeys. Endangering others during a journey by sea to the UK is a new offence that came into force in January as part of new border security legislation.

Under the offence, those who endanger or risk another life at sea could face up to five years in prison, or up to six years if they are in breach of a deportation order.

Tajik was handed a two-year prison sentence. As his sentence is over 12 months, he will be automatically considered for deportation by the Home Office.

Ali was handed 27-month sentence, and will also now be considered for deportation by the Home Office.