A lorry driver wanted in connection with the discovery of 39 bodies in a refrigerated container in Essex is to be extradited from Ireland to the UK.

Eamonn Harrison, 23, is wanted on charges of human trafficking and immigration offences, as well as 39 counts of manslaughter.

His extradition was approved by Mr Justice Donald Binchy, sitting at Dublin's High Court on Friday, after a European Arrest Warrant was issued.

Image: Police at the scene where bodies were discovered

Harrison, from Mayobridge in County Down, Northern Ireland, is alleged to have driven the container to the port of Zeebrugge in Belgium, and later signed the shipping notice for it.

The bodies of 39 men, women and teenagers were found in a trailer in an industrial park in Grays in the early hours of 23 October.


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

Another man, Maurice Robinson, 25, of Craigavon, Northern Ireland, has been charged with 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people, and money laundering.

Mr Justice Binchy has not published his judgment in full and said he would not be making it available until Monday.

Tony McGillicuddy, defending, said he would read the document, which runs to 50 pages, before deciding whether to appeal.

Harrison was remanded in custody and is due in court again on 4 February.