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Filipino paedophile to be deported
01 July 2009
A Filipino man who tried to import explicit paedophiliac material into the United Kingdom has been sentenced to 24 weeks' imprisonment. He has already served time on remand, so he will be deported.
Gil Elecana Fresco, a ship's cook from Manila, was sentenced for being knowingly concerned in the importation of five pornographic DVDs. The 45-year-old pleaded guilty to the offence at Southampton Crown Court on 30 June 2009.
Fresco was intercepted by UK Border Agency detection officers from HM Cutter 'Searcher' in the Solent on 1 April 2009. Officers discovered the obscene material during a search of Fresco's cabin on the oil tanker MV 'Donizetti'. The vessel had sailed from Rotterdam, Holland. Officers from HM Revenue & Customs then took over the investigation.
We will not tolerate criminals who attempt to import this distasteful and offensive material into the UK. Tim Fleming, HM Revenue & Customs
Tim Fleming, senior criminal investigation officer at HM Revenue & Customs, said:
'Our message is clear. We will not tolerate criminals who attempt to import this distasteful and offensive material into the UK. Customs investigators will continue to work closely with UK Border Agency officers to protect society from this appalling trade.
'We would urge anyone with information about this type of crime to call the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.'
The case was successfully prosecuted by the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office.