Lorry driver Maurice Robinson, who is accused over the deaths of 39 migrants found in a trailer at an industrial estate in Essex, has pleaded guilty to plotting to assist illegal immigration.

The 25-year-old, who is known as Mo, was allegedly part of a global smuggling ring and was charged with the manslaughter of a group of men, women and children found dead at the site in Grays on 23 October.

All of the victims - made up of 31 males and eight females - were later identified as being from Vietnam, with the youngest two boys aged 15.

Image: The lorry was surrounded by police at the site in Essex

Robinson, whose Scania cab was attached to the trailer when the bodies were found, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from Belmarsh prison for a plea hearing.

Wearing a light blue sweater and tan trousers, he spoke to confirm his identity, nationality and to admit conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration between 1 May last year and 24 October 2019.


The charge sheet states that he plotted with others to do "an act or series of acts which facilitated the commission of a breach of immigration law by various persons".

Robinson, of Laurel Drive in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, also admitted acquiring criminal property, namely cash, on the same dates - but was not asked to enter pleas to other charges.

Those include the 39 counts of manslaughter and the transferring of criminal property.

He was remanded in custody until a further hearing on 13 December.