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28/10/2019
Accused NI Lorry Driver Appears In Court
Accused Northern Irish lorry driver Maurice Robinson has appeared in court in connection with the 39 people found dead in a trailer last week.
The 25 year-old from a rural area near Portadown was remanded in custody at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court after the short hearing on Monday 28 October.
Mr Robinson was part of a "global ring" involved in people smuggling to the UK, the court was told.
He was arrested and later charged with 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and money laundering after the mass fatality was discovered in a lorry parked in an industrial area of Grays, Essex.
A major operation is now underway to identify the 31 men and eight women found dead in the refrigerated trailer, with Vietnamese men and women feared to be among the victims.
The bodies have been moved to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford for post-mortem examinations.
Mr Robinson, of Laurel Drive, appeared in court via video link but was not asked to indicate a plea. He is due to appear at the Old Bailey in London for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 25 November.
(JG/MH)
The 25 year-old from a rural area near Portadown was remanded in custody at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court after the short hearing on Monday 28 October.
Mr Robinson was part of a "global ring" involved in people smuggling to the UK, the court was told.
He was arrested and later charged with 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and money laundering after the mass fatality was discovered in a lorry parked in an industrial area of Grays, Essex.
A major operation is now underway to identify the 31 men and eight women found dead in the refrigerated trailer, with Vietnamese men and women feared to be among the victims.
The bodies have been moved to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford for post-mortem examinations.
Mr Robinson, of Laurel Drive, appeared in court via video link but was not asked to indicate a plea. He is due to appear at the Old Bailey in London for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 25 November.
(JG/MH)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
