Courts / Monaghan / Report

Alleged 'ringleader' behind Essex migrant deaths is refused bail

Date
2020-04-30

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Monaghan

Summary

The Court of Appeal granted leave to appeal to Eamon Ronald Harrison, who is pending extradition to the UK to face 39 counts of manslaughter and one count of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. UK authorities have withdrawn a separate charge of conspiracy to commit human trafficking against Harrison, which is expected to shorten his appeal hearing scheduled for May 7. In a related development, Maurice Robinson, 25, of Craigavon, Co Armagh, admitted 39 counts of manslaughter at the Old Bailey in London. He had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and acquiring criminal property, while denying a further charge of transferring criminal property. Robinson will be sentenced at a later date. These proceedings follow the discovery of 39 migrants dead in a lorry container in Essex. Ronan Hughes, alleged to be the ringleader, was refused bail by the High Court and remanded in custody until May 15 for his full extradition hearing. The court found him a probable flight risk, noting his international haulage business and access to funds. The High Court judge stated that the prosecution met the burden of proof regarding the risk of absconding, despite Hughes' ties to the jurisdiction.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Alleged 'ringleader' behind Essex migrant deaths is refused bail. Charges or matters: conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and acquiring criminal property. Procedural stage: appeal

When: