Lorry deaths suspect still at large, QC
A SUSPECT in the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants is still at large, a court heard yesterday.
Lawyer Aftab Jafferjee QC questioned the role the “elusive and, we say, sinister Marius Draghici” played in the tragedy.
He is defending Gheorghe Nica, 43, who, with Eamonn Harrison, 23, denies manslaughter.
Mr Jafferjee described his client as a “gofer” for haulage boss Ronan Hughes, 41, of Co Armagh.
The 39 men and women were found dead in the sealed lorry at Purfleet, Essex, last October, after a ferry trip from Belgium.
Hughes is one of four who admit their part in the plot. Harrison and two others deny people smuggling. The Old Bailey trial of continues.