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Essex migrant deaths: court hears of voice recordings on mobile phones

Summary

In a High Court hearing in Dublin, the court considered evidence that recordings on mobile phones found in a refrigerated trailer in Essex, where 39 migrants were later discovered dead, suggested that some of the victims may have been alive after entering UK territorial waters. The case involves Eamon Harrison, 23, who is sought by British authorities on 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and conspiracy to commit human trafficking under the UK's Modern Slavery Act. Harrison, a dual Irish‑British citizen, allegedly transported the trailer from a Belgian port to the Port of Purfleet, Essex, where it was collected by Maurice Robinson, 25. Harrison was arrested in Ireland under a European Arrest Warrant and is contesting extradition in the Irish High Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Essex migrant deaths: court hears of voice recordings on mobile phones. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• October 23 Incident
• October 22 Other
• October 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-12-12 Publication

Why: Counsel said the warrant in respect of Mr Harrison was issued "promptly" because the suspect was in France at the time and had made his way to Ireland. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime

Related court reports

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• Essex Migrant Deaths: High Court orders extradition of alleged Irish 'ringleader'
• Essex migrant deaths: territorial issue a 'red herring', State says
• Essex Migrant Deaths: warrant for NI man 'wholly unsatisfactory', court told
• Alleged 'ringleader' behind Essex migrant deaths is refused bail
• Monaghan man alleged to be 'chief organiser' behind Essex migrant deaths

Read the original CNI report