The longest sentence of 15 years is given to Iraqi national Mirkhan Rasoul, who was accused of leading the network.

It was billed as a cheaper alternative to hotels as the Conservative government tried to tackle the costs of housing thousands of migrants and deter English Channel crossings in unseaworthy boats.

It read: "At least ten overloaded boats are currently in danger in the English Channel. Since 2am, the Calais team has received ten distress calls at sea, involving over 500 people. Our thanks go ...

A notorious people smuggler described as a “merchant of death” for sending thousands of migrants across the English Channel ...