A TRUCK driver who discovered two Kosovar refugees hiding in his trailer after a journey to Italy has slammed government plans to fine hauliers who unknowingly bring illegal immigrants into the country.

Jack Bennison, 44, who lives in Clayton-le-Moors, was returning from a trip to the Continent in his own truck while working for a Bradford firm.

He caught a ferry from Boulogne, on the North coast of France, to Folkestone, and claims he was unaware the stowaways had joined him.

Mr Bennison had stopped at Trowell Services, on the northbound M1 in Nottinghamshire, when he heard noises in the trailer.

After he alerted security staff and the police, the trailer was opened and two men in their 20s jumped out.

Although no one at the scene could interpret, they were believed to be Kosovar refugees.

Before the men were led away, Mr Bennison was told by police he could face prosecution following the incident, but has not heard anything since.

Mr Bennison, a member of truck drivers' union the Road Haulage Association, said: "This is a problem a lot of drivers have now.

"The government is talking about fining drivers, but they are just penalising us because it's costing money to keep the refugees here. Before you get on the boat they make you open your trailer. But mine was full to the roof and these two must have hidden under the boxes. "The simplest thing would be to use a thermal imaging camera at ports which would find any stowaways. There are loads of these people just wandering around at the ports.

"I've nothing against the refugees. I understand why they did it. They were happy just to get over here."

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "The proposal in the Immigration and Asylum Bill is to fine drivers £2,000 per illegal immigrant found.

"Drivers have to demonstrate they have checked their lorries before they enter the country.

"The Bill is not law yet, so the fines cannot be imposed, although there is a charge of facilitating illegal immigrants which can be enforced."

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: "Two illegal immigrants had entered the country in this lorry. They were dealt with by ourselves and immigration officers from East Midlands Airport and Mr Bennison will face no charges."

The spokesman added the refugees had been granted temporary admission to the United Kingdom on the grounds of political asylum.

They have been given accommodation in London and are waiting for their case to be reviewed.

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