CCTV footage captured the moment a Sudanese national, Bilal Adam, boarded a shellfish trawler and steered it erratically within harbor walls in an attempt to travel to France to collect his family. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning at Ramsgate, Kent.
Adam, who had been in Britain for over 11 years, boarded the 100-ton vessel, named 'Carousel,' while its crew was still aboard. A crewmember was awakened by the engine noise at 3 a.m. and confronted Adam. The court heard that Adam threatened the crewman, appearing as if he were reaching for a knife and demanding to be taken to France.
During his court appearance, Adam claimed the incident was a misunderstanding, stating his actions were due to traditional dress he was wearing. He maintained he did not intentionally harm anyone or threaten the crewman, nor did he intend to put their lives in danger. He admitted to taking a mechanically-propelled vehicle without consent, which was aggravated by damage caused, though he disputed the extent of the damage.
Even after the boat was returned to its mooring and Adam had disembarked, he was observed looking for other vessels to escape the country. Prosecutors noted Adam's haste, suggesting he did not want to wait the 14 weeks required for funded travel.
The trawler is co-owned by Lynn Shellfish. Skipper Olly Swift reported that Adam had ordered the crew to take him to France to retrieve his family.
Damage to the vessel was estimated at nearly £90,000, including significant harm to the boat's gearbox. Adam was sentenced to eight months in custody, with magistrates citing a risk he would continue to attempt to leave the country illegally. He was also disqualified from driving any vehicle for one year.