Essex migrant deaths: Decision on bail application due for alleged 'ringleader' of trafficking gang

File photo

The High Court has heard that a Monaghan man is alleged to be "the ringleader" and "chief organiser" of an organised criminal group who trafficked 39 migrants found dead in a lorry container in Essex last year.

The court was told today that haulier Ronan Hughes is alleged to have "organised, paid for the travel and controlled the drivers who collected the migrants."