A former Russian soldier today became the first person to be convicted of trafficking illegal immigrants into the Republic.
Dimitry Beliacoff, 28, was jailed for four months at Dublin District Court after pleading guilty to the offence.
He admitted being paid £800 to bring two Russians and a Moldovan into Ireland.
He succeeded in smuggling in the Moldovan man, using a false passport in January, but was detained with the two others in March, and the Russians were immediately deported.
Beliacoff, of north Dublin, told police: "I like to help refugees. I wanted to help, like Moses."
Judge David Anderson said he had no alternative but to jail Beliacoff.
PA
