22/11/2019

Essex Trailer Deaths: NI Man Arrested

A 23 year-old man from Northern Ireland has been arrested in connection with enquiries into the deaths of 39 people in a lorry trailer in Essex last month.

The man was detained by Thames Valley Police on behalf of Essex Police in the early hours of this morning, Friday 22 November.

He was apprehended on the M40 in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire on suspicion of conspiracy to traffic people and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration.

Bodies of the Vietnamese nationals were discovered in the back of a refrigerated trailer on Wednesday 23 October.

The suspect remains in custody.

Maurice Robinson, a 25 year-old also from Northern Ireland, has been charged with 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and money laundering.

He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Monday 25 November.

Two other men from Northern Ireland, brothers Ronan Hughes (40) and Christopher Hughes (34), from Co Armagh are still being sought by police. They are urged to hand themselves in for questioning.



(JG/CM)


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

28 October 2019
Co Armagh Man Due In Court Over Trailer Deaths
A lorry driver from Northern Ireland is due in court on Monday charged with the manslaughter of 39 people who were found dead in a trailer in Essex last week.
20 June 2006
Ten held after police operation
Ten people are still being held for questioning after police foiled a conspiracy to purchase weapons for dissident republicans during an operation, which was carried out yesterday.
13 November 2020
Seven Men Jailed For Total Of 50 Terrorist Offences
Seven men have been sentenced for a combined total of 50 terrorist offences. The men, who range in age from 36 to 79 years, pleaded guilty in January to offences including membership of a proscribed organisation, preparation of terrorist acts, conspiracy to possess explosives and firearms, collecting information and providing terrorist training.
30 March 2015
PSNI Issues Letters To Every Home In NI
The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, George Hamilton, has written to every home in Northern Ireland to explain what the forthcoming changes to policing will mean for the public.
01 March 2013
Former Minister Says SDLP Should Leave Executive
The SDLP should leave the Northern Ireland Executive, as it is not doing enough to bring people together, former SDLP Minister Brid Rodgers. Appearing on BBC Northern Ireland’s The View on Thursday, she said the SDLP should become part of the opposition. However, it is a move that is contrary to party policy.