A man has admitted two charges linked to the deaths of 39 people found in a lorry.

Maurice Robinson, 25, of Craigavon, Northern Ireland, appeared at the Old Bailey in London today, Monday, November 25, where he faced 43 separate offences including 39 counts of manslaughter.

The charges relate to the deaths of 39 Vietnamese people, including children, who were discovered in the back of a refrigerated lorry being driven by Robinson in Grays on October 23.

Robinson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration.

Robinson, who appeared via video-link from Belmarsh prison, also admitted acquiring criminal property - namely cash - between 1 May 2018 and 24 October 2019.

As well as the manslaughter charges, Mr Robinson is accused of conspiracy to commit human trafficking offences and transferring criminal property.

The offences outstanding against him remain the 39 counts of manslaughter as well as transferring criminal property and conspiracy to commit a human trafficking offence.

The case against him has been adjourned until Friday, December 13, back at the Old Bailey.

The defendant, of Laurel Drive, Craigavon, was remanded into custody until a the hearing.

Christopher Kennedy, 23, of Darley, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland, was charged over the weekend with offences of conspiracy to arrange or facilitate the travel of people with a view to exploitation and conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of UK immigration law.

He appeared in front of magistrates in Chelmsford this morning, on Monday November 25.

No pleas were entered and his case was also adjourned to the Old Bailey in London on Friday, December 13.