Former UK soldier convicted for trying to smuggle refugee child
A former British soldier accused of trying to smuggle a four-year-old Afghan girl has been handed a 1,000 euro suspended fine by a French court.
49-year-old Rob Lawrie admitted his crime but pleaded leniency during a court appearance in Boulogne-sur-Mer on Thursday.
Lawrie from the Leeds had been helping migrants as a volunteer when he was caught in October by French border police with Bahar Ahmadi in his van. Lawrie reportedly tried to get the girl from the Calais migrant camp in order to deliver her to family members in Britain.
The suspended fine, which was handed to Lawrie because he failed to transport the girl in a child seat with a belt, means he will only have to pay it if he commits another offence in France.
He could face up to five years in jail over the smuggling charge which was thrown out by a judge. The conviction of endangering child’s life was a symbolic for Lawrie who apologized for what he called an irrational move.
"The French justice system sent out a message today," he said after the verdict. "When compassion is in the heart, compassion will win."
Speaking at a news conference, with the girl sitting on his lap, Lawrie said he feared “being made an example of” by the court.
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