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| Lorry driver Mo Robinson admits plot after 39 migrant deaths | |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| A lorry driver who is accused over the deaths of 39 migrants in Essex has admitted plotting to assist illegal immigration. | |
| Maurice Robinson pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to conspiring with others to assist illegal immigration between 1 May 2018 and 24 October 2019. | |
| The 25-year-old, from Craigavon, is accused of being part of a larger plot to bring people into the UK illegally. | |
| Mr Robinson was not asked to plead to 39 charges of manslaughter. | |
| The charges relate to the deaths of 39 Vietnamese people, including teenagers, who were discovered in the back of a refrigerated lorry being driven by Mr Robinson in Grays on 23 October. | |
| Mr Robinson, who spoke only to confirm his identity and British nationality, appeared via video-link from Belmarsh prison. | |
| He also admitted acquiring criminal property - namely cash - between 1 May 2018 and 24 October 2019. | |
| As well as the manslaughter charges, Mr Robinson is accused of conspiracy to commit human trafficking offences and transferring criminal property. | |
| The defendant, of Laurel Driver, was remanded into custody until a further hearing on 13 December. |