An Irish haulier wanted in the UK to face 39 manslaughter charges has been refused bail by the High Court in Dublin ahead of his extradition hearing.
Ronan Hughes was arrested a few weeks ago at his home at Leitrim Silverstream, Tyholland, Co. Monaghan on foot of a European Arrest Warrant
Mr Justice Paul Burns spent over two hours yesterday listening to Mr Hughes’ bail application and the reasons Gardaí were objecting to it.
He’s wanted by UK police to face 39 manslaughter charges in relation to the discovery of 39 Vietnamese nationals in the back of a lorry in Essex last year.
He’s accused of being the “chief organiser and ringleader” of the operation.
The migrants died over a two-hour period due to a lack of oxygen in the sealed container they were being transported in.
In opposing bail yesterday, Gardaí raised concerns that he was a flight-risk and had the means and wherewithal to abscond if it was granted.
Mr. J Burns said it was to his credit that he didn’t try to abscond before his arrest, but accepted the State’s arguments for refusing bail.
Mr. Hughes promised to abide by any conditions bail, but the judge didn’t feel that would allay the court’s concerns.
He remanded him in custody ahead of his extradition hearing, which is due to take place on May 15th.
*Reporting by Frank Greaney
