Rob Lawrie and French Border Police

Leeds, England: The courtroom erupted in cheers at the verdict, according to Toronto Star. Rob Lawrie, 49, a former soldier and carpet cleaner from Leeds, England, had been helping migrants as a volunteer when he was caught on Oct. 24 by French border police with Bahar Ahmadi hiding, tucked away with her teddy bear, in a cache in his van. The three-judge panel threw out the smuggling charge — which carried a penalty of up to five years in prison — convicting him instead of the far less grievous crime of endangerment, and suspending the $1,560 fine. He has since gained a fan club on Facebook and among volunteers like himself who are helping refugees and other migrants. When compassion is in the heart, compassion will win. The French justice system sent out a message today, he said after the verdict. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.