A man who fronted up an attempt to smuggle migrants in a tiny locked storage compartment in a campervan has been jailed.

Christopher Hennigan was arrested following an investigation sparked by the discovery of five Albanians in the motorhome’s cupboard on its way to Kent via the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone.

The startling discovery was made after Border Force officers stopped a Fiat Elsa-T-Line six berth motorhome at the UK controls in Coquelles, France in December 2020.

The migrants were found in the rear of the van, inside a locked storage area which could only be accessed from inside the vehicle by raising the main double bed, which was on hinges.

Officers found the people hidden behind a bed sheet and a dressing gown which was used to conceal them.

The Home Office’s Criminal and Financial Investigations (CFI) unit launched an inquiry, and found that Hennigan and three others were involved in the conspiracy.

They found the 35-year-old was responsible for organising the trip to pick up the migrants and had paid money to his co-defendants towards the cost of their journey to France.

Officers also found evidence that he was the link to the other co-accused in order to obtain a false document they needed to make the journey.

Hennigan, from Leeds, pleaded guilty to facilitating illegal immigration, for which he was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court today to five years and 10 months.

His total jail time will be 11 years and 10 months, with a three-year extended licence, after also being sentenced for firearm offences and an assault which were investigated by West Yorkshire Police.

A 29-year-old man from Leeds has already been handed a 15-month suspended sentence for fraud in connection with this conspiracy and two other defendants are due to be sentenced at a later date.

As part of the investigation, more than £10,000 in cash was seized from Hennigan’s home which was found hidden in a bag and pillowcase. This will be subject to a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing.

Stuart Wilkinson, deputy director of criminal and financial investigations at the Home Office, said: “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message to those breaking our laws and putting profit above people’s lives that you will be brought to justice.

“Immigration Enforcement work tirelessly to investigate, arrest and dismantle people-smuggling networks and will continue to do so to protect our borders and save lives.”