LATEST: Lorry deaths – young Irishman charged with 39 counts of manslaughter

THE Irish driver of a truck in which 39 people were found dead appeared in a British court via video link today.

Maurice Robinson (25) was charged with manslaughter and conspiracy to traffic people appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court. He appeared via video link and only spoke to confirm his name and address.

Robinson, from Co Armagh, faces 39 counts of manslaughter as well as charges of conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and money laundering.

The discovery of 39 bodies in a refrigerated truck on an industrial estate east of London has shone a spotlight on the illicit global trade in people which sends the poor of Asia, Africa and the Middle East on perilous journeys to the West.