Kate Temple-Mabe was instructed as junior prosecution counsel in the prosecution of two men who conspired to facilitate the unlawful immigration of non-EU nationals into or through Italy, Romania, Germany and Croatia. NCA surveillance, carried out over a 6-month period in 2022-2023, showed that the Caerphilly-based defendants were directing and organising the smuggling of hundreds of people via a range of sophisticated routes, using various means of transportation including cars, lorries, boats and airplanes.
Both defendants pleaded guilty in November 2024, following 10 days of prosecution evidence, but put forward bases of plea that were not accepted by the Crown. On 10 April 2026, following a 3-day trial of issue at Cardiff Crown Court after which their bases of plea were rejected, the Court sentenced them each to 19 months’ custody – thought to be the highest sentences ever passed for this offence.
Kate was led by Sarah Gaunt of 2 Harcourt Buildings, and instructed by Steven Homer of the CPS Serious Economic, Organised Crime and International Division.
You can read the CPS’ press release here.
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