A MAN has appeared in court in connection with the deaths of 39 people found in a lorry in Grays last year.

Eamonn Harrison, 22, of Mayobridge, Northern Ireland, appeared at Dublin's High Court on Friday (24 January), where it was agreed that he would be extradited to the UK under the terms of an European Arrest Warrant (EAW).

He faces 39 charges of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and he has been remanded to appear at Dublin's High Court on Tuesday, 4 February.

This hearing will agree the terms of Harrison's extradition, which followed successful applications made by Essex Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Mr Justice Donald Binchy said that after receiving comprehensive arguments from both sides, he decided to approve the extradition.

Defence counsel Tony McGillicuddy said he will read the full judgment and decide next week whether to lodge an appeal.

Ten teenagers, including two 15-year-old boys, were among 39 Vietnamese nationals whose bodies were discovered in the lorry trailer in the early hours of October 23.