Courts / Monaghan / Report

Essex migrant deaths: territorial issue a 'red herring', State says

Summary

In an appeal regarding the Essex migrant deaths, the Court of Appeal reserved judgment on Eamon Ronald Harrison's challenge to his extradition warrant. Harrison, of Mayobridge, Co Down, is alleged to have delivered the trailer containing the 39 deceased migrants to a Belgian port. He faces 39 counts of manslaughter and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. Separately, Maurice Robinson, of Craigavon, Co Armagh, admitted to 39 counts of manslaughter at the Old Bailey. He had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and acquiring criminal property, specifically cash, while denying a further charge of transferring criminal property. Robinson awaits sentencing. Meanwhile, Ronan Hughes, a Monaghan haulier alleged to be the ringleader, is fighting his proposed extradition in the High Court. Counsel for the Minister for Justice dismissed arguments that the offences were extraterritorial, describing the submission as a "red herring" and asserting the crimes occurred within UK territory. Hughes, who faces 39 manslaughter charges and one conspiracy count, was remanded in custody until June 12 for a judgment. The State argued that the UK clearly asserted jurisdiction over acts committed within its borders, including the conspiracy and the deaths of the migrants.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Essex migrant deaths: territorial issue a 'red herring', State says. Charges or matters: conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and acquiring criminal property – namely cash. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• October 23, 2019 Incident
• April 20 Incident
• June 12 Adjournment
• October 22 Adjournment
• May 1, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 24, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 5 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2020-05-15 Publication

Why: Mr Kennedy explained that he said this in respect of both the manslaughter and conspiracy offences. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Volunteer who said he was sacked for warning Church officials of 'rogue' relic traders can't pursue case, WRC rules
• Brave Paddy Power worker helped unmask repeat robber
• 'Monster' Derek Boyd gets life for murder, with sentence for killing sister referred back to circuit court
• Museum employee charged with possessing bomb tells court he wants to reapply for bail 'at earliest chance'
• Explosive device allegedly stored in National Museum at Collins' Barracks
• Ex-garda seeks allowance for services to Irish-language communities

Read the original CNI report