Soldier Cleared Of 'Smuggling Ring' Allegations

Lance Corporal David Plumstead appeared at Maidstone Crown Court (Picture: PA).

A serving soldier has been cleared of allegations he was part of a ring of smugglers trafficking illegal immigrants from the Calais Jungle into the UK.

Lance Corporal David Plumstead, 24, who was based at Barker Barracks in Paderborn, Germany, was on trial this week after being accused of trying to help a fellow soldier in the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment transport two migrants through the Channel Tunnel for a fee of £5,000 each.

He appeared at Maidstone Crown Court alongside Zindan Ahmed, 36, who is accused of financing the transportation of several migrants including his brother.

They were facing a charge of conspiracy to assist in unlawful immigration between November 1 2015 and July 1 2016.

But Judge Philip St John-Stevens ruled there was insufficient evidence for the case to proceed against LCpl Plumstead and directed the jury to enter a formal plea of not guilty for him, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed on Thursday.

Ahmed, who is in the dock with a Kurdish interpreter, continues to stand trial after denying the charge.

The jury previously heard accusations he and LCpl Plumstead conspired with Corporal Kyle Harris, 29, who brought three migrants into the UK between March and May 2016 on his trips home on leave.

Harris arranged with Ahmed to be paid £2,500 in advance and a further £2,500 once each of the migrants had been delivered to the UK, the court was told.

Jurors were informed Harris pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy in August and is awaiting sentence at the conclusion of the current trial.