AN ISLE of Wight man accused of smuggling 12 migrants into the UK illegally on board a yacht will stand trial later this year.

Robin Hounsham, also known as Robbie, of Ashey Road, Ryde, appeared before a judge at the Isle of Wight Crown Court today (Monday).

The 54-year-old denied conspiracy to facilitate the unlawful entry and/or attempted entry into the UK of non-EU citizens between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020.

The charge relates to 12 people “suspected of being migrants entering the UK illegally” being found aboard the yacht at East Cowes Marina on March 19, 2020, according to the South-East Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Mr Hounsham was bailed to appear again on April 18 for a case-management hearing.

A trial date was fixed for August 14.