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Lorry driver Mo Robinson admits plot after 39 migrant deaths | Lorry driver Mo Robinson admits plot after 39 migrant deaths |
(30 minutes later) | |
A lorry driver who is accused over the deaths of 39 migrants in Essex has admitted plotting to assist illegal immigration. | 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. | 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 County Armagh, 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. | Mr Robinson was not asked to plead to 39 charges of manslaughter. |
The charges relate to the deaths of 39 Vietnamese people, including children, who were discovered in the back of a refrigerated lorry being driven by Mr Robinson in Grays on 23 October. | |
Mr Robinson, who appeared via video-link from Belmarsh prison, 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. | 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 Drive, Craigavon, was remanded into custody until a further hearing on 13 December. | |
Eight women and 31 males, including two boys, aged 15, were among those who died. | |
Christopher Kennedy, 23, of County Armagh, Northern Ireland, has also been charged with human trafficking offences in relation to the deaths. | |
He also faces charges of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of people with a view to exploitation, and conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of UK immigration law. | |
Three other people who were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and conspiracy to traffic people have been released on bail. |