Lord Stephen Kelvin Redhead is among a group of men accused of conspiring to breach UK immigration law.

Lord Redhead, 46, of High Street, Shanklin, and Christopher Jason Barber, 54, of Landguard Road, Shanklin, have been charged with the offence.

The charges relate to an incident between March 15, 2020, and June 27, 2020.

The pair appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday), when they had their cases adjourned to the Isle of Wight Crown Court on July 12.

No formal pleas were entered and they were granted unconditional bail.

Mr Redhead is a well-known property developer on the Island and achieved local fame for erecting a 10ft statue with his own face on a figure of fictional boxer Rocky, at his then house at Whiteley Bank.

In 2007, he unveiled it to guests with the movie’s theme tune playing in the background.

He told the County Press he was gifted the title of Lord Redhead of Shanklin, by a business associate and he is entitled to sit in the House of Lords.

Jean-Pierre Labelle, 44, of Brighton Road, Lewes, East Sussex, but formerly of Ryde, and Terence Malja, of Pelham Road, Southsea, were also due before the court.

Mr Labelle was remanded in custody, to appear before the Isle of Wight Crown Court on the same date.

Mr Malja did not appear in court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The charges relate to an investigation carried out by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).

The organisation says, between March 17 and 19, illegal migrants were brought into the UK via a yacht. 

And between June 26 and 27, illegal migrants were being brought to the UK via a small boat across the English Channel, but were intercepted by French authorities after a joint operation with SEROCU, the National Crime Agency and French authorities.