Man to stand trial accused of smuggling 14 Albanians into Scotland in lorry at ferry terminal

A man is to stand trial accused of smuggling 14 Albanian nationals into Scotland in a lorry.

Patrick John McKinney was held in December 2024 after a truck was stopped at Loch Ryan ferry terminal in Cairnryan in Dumfries and Galloway.

Prosecutors claim the 24 year-old did culpably and recklessly conceal 14 men within a compartment in the rear of the vehicle.

This was said to have been during “severe weather conditions” and when the open-sided lorry was in an “unroadworthy” state.

The allegation claims this was all to the danger of the lives of the men.

A separate accusation states McKinney transported the 14 individuals from Northern Ireland to Scotland knowing or having cause to believe it would breach immigration law.

The case called at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday, where McKinney faced a charge of culpable and reckless conduct and another under the Immigration Act.

The allegations are said to be aggravated by a connection with human trafficking activity.

Brian McConnachie KC, defending, said: “He pleads not guilty to the indictment. There are no special defences. Mr McKinney is on bail.”

Both the advocate and prosecutor Kath Harper KC agreed a trial could be set.

Lord Mulholland went on to state: “I will fix a trial for July 26, 2027 for ten days for planning purposes.”

McKinney, of Coshquin, Northern Ireland, had his attendance excused for the hearing.

He had previously appeared on petition at Stranraer Sheriff Court on December 12, 2024.