A Dartford man who is currently is custody over a suspected plot to smuggle illegal immigrants into the country is a former judo champion, it has been revealed.

Robert Stilwell, known as Robbie, represented Great Britain, holds a judo black belt and has previously held European and Commonwealth titles.

The 33-year-old was charged alongside Mark Stribling, 35, from Farningham after 18 Albanians, including a woman and two children, were rescued from a sinking ship off the Kent coast early on Sunday morning (May 29).

The two men were also on board the inflatable boat.

Speaking outside the family’s home in Dartford, Stilwell’s dad told the Telegraph: “I haven’t seen him for three or four days. He spends most of his time living in London with his girlfriend.

“He comes and goes occasionally and I don’t know what he gets up to. We are trying to work out what has gone on.”

At his London address a woman who claimed to be Stilwell’s girlfriend said: “I’ve not seen him since Wednesday – I’ve been in tears thinking something bad had happened to him.

“He used to do judo but he’s packed it in now.”

Stribling is believed to be a self-employed builder, whilst Stilwell also describes himself as ‘self-employed’.

The pair appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 30) charged under Section 25 of the Immigration Act 1971.

They are due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on June 27.