Trucker 'gobsmacked' at prison term

Mr Wilson is shocked at the severity of the court's sentence

A West Yorkshire lorry driver serving 11 years in a Greek prison for smuggling illegal immigrants says he has no idea how they got in his truck.

David Wilson, from Wyke, near Bradford, was arrested on 18 March in the Greek port of Patros when 19 Iraqi Kurds were discovered in the back of his lorry.

The next day he was sentenced to 11 years in jail for transporting illegal immigrants and fined £47,000.

Speaking to BBC Look North from his prison cell, the 44-year-old said he was "gobsmacked" at the sentence.

"The laws and legal system seem a bit draconian to say the least, even the police and prosecutor appeared to be absolutely shocked."

Appeal hope

Mr Wilson said he had no idea how the immigrants got into the lorry, adding they must have got in while he was asleep.

The wagon, with secured canvas sides, was carrying a consignment of wool.

He said: "How they got into the back I just don't know."

Mr Wilson, who had a Greek lawyer appointed for his trial, now has access to an English-speaking lawyer after Fair Trials Abroad took up the case.

But it normally takes at least eight months for an appeal to be organised.

His wife Tracy said: "I have to keep positive. We have to be strong."