A lorry driver has denied being involved in the deaths of 39 people found in a refrigerated trailer near the Dartford Crossing.

The Vietnamese victims, including 10 teenagers, were discovered in a lorry on in industrial estate in Grays, Essex, in October.

Christopher Kennedy, 23, from County Armagh, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit human trafficking offences and assisting unlawful immigration, and is due to go on trial next year.

Another lorry driver Maurice Robinson has admitted conspiring with others to assist illegal immigration, and is yet to enter pleas to 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to commit human trafficking and transferring criminal property.

Last month police confirmed the bodies of the victims had been returned to Vietnam.

Essex Police confirmed today the victims, who were discovered in the refrigerated trailer in Grays, Essex, in October, had been repatriated, and offered condolences to their families.

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