A man previously convicted of terrorism offences in Italy has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after entering the United Kingdom illegally on a small boat.
From Asylum to Terrorism Conviction
Rebwar Hamad, a 48-year-old Iraqi national, first arrived in the UK back in 2001 and was subsequently granted indefinite leave to remain. However, his status changed dramatically when he was convicted in his absence by an Italian court for terrorism-related crimes in 2019.
The following year, he was extradited from the UK to Italy to serve his sentence. Upon his release, Italian authorities ordered him to leave the country within one week.
Illegal Return and Interception
Hamad then attempted to return to Britain legally, applying for a visa. When this application was rejected, he turned to illegal means. He paid approximately €1,200 (around £1,050) for a place on a small boat crossing the English Channel.
He arrived with other migrants on 19 September this year. The vessel was later intercepted off the coast of Dover. Hamad subsequently pleaded guilty to entering the UK without valid entry clearance.
Sentencing and Official Condemnation
On Friday 5 December 2025, Canterbury Crown Court sentenced Rebwar Hamad to two years and three months imprisonment.
Peter Cockrill from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that Hamad had shown a "blatant disregard for immigration rules" by attempting to re-enter the UK illegally after serving a prison sentence for terrorism. The CPS argued in court for the toughest possible sentence.
"The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work tirelessly with law enforcement and international partners, including the Border Security Command, to disrupt people smuggling networks and bring those who profit from this exploitative trade to justice," Cockrill added.
This case highlights ongoing challenges with illegal migration via small boat crossings and the judicial response to individuals with serious criminal convictions attempting to circumvent UK border controls.
