Lorry driver admits to two charges over Thurrock deaths

Police outside the crime scene on the Waterglade Industrial Park

A lorry driver has pleaded guilty to plotting to assist illegal immigration and acquiring criminal property, after 39 bodies were found in a lorry in Thurrock.

Maurice Robinson, 25, of County Amargh in Northern Ireland, appeared at the Old Bailey this morning.

He is also charged with the manslaughter of 39 people, but did not enter a plea on those counts.

A second man is also due in court today. 

Christopher Kennedy, 23, was charged at the weekend with 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.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today.