00:02A man has become the first person to be convicted under a new law aimed at tackling dangerous small
00:07boat crossings to the UK. Tajik Mohamed admitted endangering lives after piloting an overcrowded
00:14dinghy in poor weather with some passengers travelling on board the vessel without life
00:18jackets. Prosecutors say that he left others behind when a rescue vessel arrived. He's due
00:24to be sentenced in June. The offence was introduced this year to target those who are accused of
00:29putting people at risk during crossings. The government says it is part of wider efforts
00:35to reduce unsafe journeys. Critics argue enforcement must be matched with safe alternatives for those
00:41seeking asylum.
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