Guilty verdicts after 39 Vietnamese migrants found dead in lorry in Essex after trial at Old Bailey
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Updated: 15:06, 21 December 2020
Four men have been found guilty after 39 Vietnamese men, women and children found dead in the back of lorry near the Essex side of the Dartford Crossing.
The group pleaded not guilty after the victims were found last October but a jury convicted them today following a 10-week trial at the Old Bailey.
Gheorge Nica at a convenience store in Thurrock 10 days before the lorry arrived. Picture: Essex Police
The families of three of the victims â 22-year-old Dang Huu Tuyen, 15-year-old Nguyen Huy Hung and 42-year-old mother Phan Thi Thanh â have paid emotional tributes to their relatives who lost their lives.
Essex Police has confirmed more than 1,300 people have assisted with the probe since it was launched more than a year ago.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Hughes and Nica had overseen two journeys just days before the discovery in Grays on October 11 and 18.
Chief Constable of Essex Police, Ben Julian Harrington, said following the verdicts: The men who were found guilty today made their money from misery. They knew what they were doing was wrong, but they didn’t care. They tried to hide what they were doing. They attempted to evade detection. They thought they could cover up their crimes.
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Four men guilty of their involvement in deaths of 39 people found in Grays
FOUR men been found guilty of their involvement in a people smuggling ring, which contributed to the deaths of 39 Vietnamese men, women and children in October last year.
Three of the victims’ families have spoken of their grief and their ongoing prayers for their loved ones. The sister of 22-year-old Dang Huu Tuyen paid tribute to her “angel” of a brother, saying he was a “gentle, loving and dedicated Catholic”.
The parents of 15-year-old Nguyen Huy Hung, one of the two youngest people onboard, recalled their son’s love of football and how “peaceful and smart” he was, as well as his drive to do well at school.
THE Chief Constable of Essex Police has paid tribute to an office killed in a crash. BJ Harrington said the officer killed in the crash in Writtle on Thursday was well loved and respected . BJ Harrington said: A sad and difficult time for all within Essex Police. Our officer was well-loved and respected and his team are devastated. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and friends at this time. A sad and difficult time for all within @EssexPoliceUK Our officer was well-loved and respected & his team are devastated. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones & friends at this time. https://t.co/BXu432kNL1 BJHarrington CC (@BJH251) December 19, 2020