[ad_1]
Image copyright
Essex Police
Ronan Hughes appeared in court in Dublin
A 40-year-old man appeared at the Dublin High Court in connection with the murder of 39 Vietnamese citizens.
The bodies were found in a tow truck in Grays, Essex, in October 2019 after landing at Purfleet from the Belgian port of Zeebrugge.
Ronan Hughes, from Leitrim, Silverstream, Tyholland, Monaghan County, was in court for the brief hearing.
Essex police are seeking his extradition.
The court heard that he was arrested Monday at his home and that if he is extradited he will face 39 counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of conspiracy to help illegal immigration.
At the hearing, Belfast-born Judge Paul Burns informed Mr. Hughes of his rights.
Image copyright
PA Media
The bodies were discovered in the truck in the early hours of October 23, 2019.
The judge detained him in custody until May 1, 2020.
Justice Burns said she would seek more information about Ronan Hughes’ alleged involvement in the crimes.
The judge also indicated that he would be prepared to hear a bond request on April 29, 2020.
On April 8, Maurice Robinson, 25, of Craigavon, County Armagh, pleaded guilty at Old Bailey to 39 counts of involuntary manslaughter.
He had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid illegal immigration.
Robinson will be sentenced at a later date.
Four other men will be tried at the Old Bailey in connection with this investigation on October 5.
Eamonn Harrison, 22, from Mayobridge, Northern Ireland, who under a European arrest warrant faced 39 counts of involuntary manslaughter, received permission to appeal against his extradition to the United Kingdom.
He also faced a count of conspiracy to traffic people, as well as conspiracy to aid illegal immigration.
A new hearing will be held in Dublin on May 7.
[ad_2]