Boy believed to be first charged under new border law due in court

A teenager, believed to be the first person charged under new UK border legislation, is set to appear in court accused of endangering others during a sea crossing.

The 16-year-old is due to appear at Margate Magistrates' Court on Wednesday following the alleged offence on 5 January, a HM Courts and Tribunals spokesperson said.

He is also accused of entering the UK without valid entry clearance, the spokesperson added.

The new offence is part of a range of measures introduced to curb English Channel crossings.

The measures came into force under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, which became law in December.

According to the Home Office, the charge of endangering others during a sea crossing is to stop more people being crammed into unsafe boats.

It applies to those involved in physical aggression and intimidation, as well as anyone who resists rescue.

When the plans for the offence were first announced, Home Office sources said there had been instances of "floating crime scenes" where people had acted in such a reckless way people died on board in crushes and drownings.

The new charge covers journeys by water to the UK from France, Belgium and the Netherlands and could include physical or psychological injury.

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Under the offence, those who endanger or risk another life at sea could face up to five years in prison, or up to six years if they are in breach of a deportation order.

The law has also introduced new powers for enforcement agencies to crack down on people smuggling gangs.

This includes gathering intelligence by being able to seize mobile phones and sim cards from migrants without arresting them.

(c) Sky News 2026: Boy believed to be first charged under new border law due in court