Ronan Hughes refused bail over manslaughter charges

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Ronan Hughes was refused bail by the High Court over 39 manslaughter charges and a charge of assisting unlawful immigration, reported on 30 April 2020. The 40-year-old haulier from Co Monaghan was wanted in the UK over the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants in England.

Mr Justice Paul Burns said there was a real and serious risk that Mr Hughes would abscond if released. Hughes was remanded in custody until 15 May. The judge said the extradition warrant alleged that he had a controlling role in the migrant smuggling operation.