Appeal judges increase ‘lenient’ jail sentences given to passport conspirators

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Two men involved in the supply of falsified passports to fugitive criminals were given unduly lenient jail sentences, appeal judges have concluded. This was the golden ticket for the organised crime networks in order that they could evade arrest, evade identification by local law enforcement either internationally or at home in the UK Craig Turner, NCA Jurors had found him guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, conspiracy to make a false instrument with intent and converting criminal property. Three appeal judges on Friday increased Beard’s term to 10 years and two months and Zietek’s term to 12 years after Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson argued that the sentences were unduly lenient. Craig Turner, NCA deputy director of investigations, had said: “This was the golden ticket for the organised crime networks in order that they could evade arrest, evade identification by local law enforcement either internationally or at home in the UK.”