Courts / Down / Report
Court to order extradition over migrant deaths
Summary
Mr Justice Donald Binchy indicated he will order the extradition of Eamon Harrison, a 23-year-old from Mayobridge, Co Down, to the UK to face 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration, and conspiracy to commit human trafficking. These charges relate to the discovery of 39 dead Vietnamese nationals in a lorry trailer in Essex. The judge stated that submissions from both Harrison's legal team and the Department of Justice did not preclude surrender, noting the circumstances meet legal requirements. Although the judge signaled his decision, he deferred making the formal order until Tuesday, February 4th, 2020, at 10am, adjourning the matter to that date. Harrison's counsel requested the delay to allow time to consider an appeal, noting Harrison is already in custody. The Minister for Justice's counsel urged finalisation as soon as possible. It is alleged that Harrison transported the refrigerated trailer, which was later collected in Essex by Maurice Robinson, a 25-year-old from Craigavon, Co Armagh, who was arrested at the scene. Harrison, a dual Irish-British citizen, was arrested in Ireland under a European Arrest Warrant. While the prosecution alleged Harrison was integrally involved in trafficking, his defense argued there were critical missing facts regarding who placed the victims in the trailer.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Court to order extradition over migrant deaths. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- Monday, January 27th, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- Tuesday, February 4th Adjournment
- October 23 Incident
- October 22nd, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-01-24 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime
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