People-smugglers jailed in Perth

In the Perth District court, two Indonesian men have been jailed for four years after being found guilty of transporting 156 illegal immigrants to Australia.

The men, aged 57 and 23, were arrested on Christmas Island late last year.

Their passengers included men, women and children from Iraq, Iran, Palestine and Kuwait.

Chief Judge Kevin Hammond said the sentences should act as a deterrent to others in Indonesia considering doing the same.

However, he admitted it was difficult to know whether the message would get back to Indonesia.

Judge Hammond said the main offenders were the organisers of human traffic, and it was a pity they were not in the dock.

The men will be eligible for parole in two years.

© 2000 Australian Broadcasting Corporation