Albanian fisherman caught smuggling 17 migrants across the Channel on a 40ft yacht is convicted

Eno Gajda, 58, claims he was coerced by threats against his family back in Albania, though he accepts he was not under duress. Prosecutors accepted that basis of plea at Bournemouth Crown Court. Gajda sailed from Dielette in France before Border Security Command officers boarded off Portland on 27 August. He is remanded in custody until sentencing on 18 November.

The vessel carried 16 Albanian men and one boy, all of whom were handed to immigration authorities.

NCA commander Andy Tickner called it 'a brazen attempt' that put many lives at risk.

Gajda insists he never believed the £10,000 would actually be paid.