by Q Radio News
The High Court has ruled a lorry driver from County Down, wanted in connection with the discovery of 39 bodies in a refrigerated container in Essex, can be extradited from Ireland to the UK.
23-year-old Eamonn Harrision, from Mayobridge in Newry, is being sought by UK authorities, to face 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and conspiracy to commit human trafficking under the UK's Modern Slavery Act.
The bodies of 39 people were found in the back of the lorry in October 2019.
Mr Harrison was detained at Dublin Port after returning from France and Belgium.
At the High Court in Dublin, Mr Justice Donald Binchy said that after receiving comprehensive arguments from both sides, he decided to approve the extradition.
Justice Binchy said he has not published his judgment in full to the court and will not make it available until Monday.
He said it would not be helpful for him to try and summarise his decision to the court.
Defence counsel Tony McGillicuddy said he will read the judgment next week and decide whether to lodge an appeal.
The order for Eamon Harrison's extradition hasn't been signed yet so his lawyers can consider an appeal.
The next hearing is due to take place in the High Court on 4th February and Mr Harrison will be remanded in custody until then.
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