Lawyers for haulier linked to migrant deaths argue some alleged offences occurred outside UK

British authorities are seeking the surrender of Ronan Hughes, 40, from Leitrim, Silverstream, Tyholland, Co Monaghan, to face 39 counts of manslaughter and one count of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration.

The scene where 39 migrants were found dead in Essex.

Lawyers for a Monaghan haulier, suspected of being "the ringleader" of an organised crime group who trafficked the 39 migrants found dead in a lorry container in Essex last year, have argued that many of the offences alleged against him occurred outside of UK territory.

However, counsel for the Minister for Justice today told the High Court extradition hearing that the legal submission of "extraterritoriality" was “a complete red herring” and the court should not engage in a “fanciful debate” as to whether other States had jurisdiction to try these offences.