A DUO who helped smuggle an Afghan woman and her child into Harwich International Port have been warned they could face a “lengthy” spell behind bars.
Romanian nationals Marinel Vasile, 38, and Marian Chila, 26, have admitted their role in the illegal immigration plot which took place on April 3.
Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard they hid the two Afghan nationals in the footwell of a Renault van in a bid to illegally get them into the UK.
However, they were caught in the act by officials at Harwich International Port.
Vasile, of North Walls, Winchester, and Chila, of St George’s Street, Winchester, appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court via videolink from Chelmsford prison today (Friday).
They were due to be sentenced but Judge Timothy Walker adjourned the case as the defendants had failed to arrange any legal representation.
The judge said: “You face extremely serious charges and you are currently in custody.
“You are due to be sentenced at some point and the risk is that you will receive a lengthy custodial sentence, each of you.”
The defendants will return to the same court on Friday.
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