The High Court is to decide if a lorry driver wanted for his alleged role in transporting a refrigerated trailer in which 39 migrants were found dead in last October can appeal his extradition to the Court of Appeal.
Eamonn Harrison from Mayobridge in Co Down, is being sought by the British authorities to face 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and conspiracy to commit human trafficking under the UK's Modern Slavery Act.
The 23-year-old is alleged to have delivered the trailer to a Belgian port before its onward journey to Britain, where it was collected from the Port of Purfleet, Essex by Maurice Robinson from Craigavon, Co Armagh.
Robinson was arrested by Essex police at the scene and has since pleaded guilty in the UK to assisting illegal immigration.
Mr Justice Donald Binchy has approved the extradition of Mr Harrison but he is seeking to appeal that decision to a Higher Court.
His counsel Siobhan Stack submitted today that the case is one of exceptional public importance and an appeal is in the public interest.
However, Ronan Kennedy, senior counsel for the State rejected this and said the European Court of Justice has already ruled in the issue.
Mr Justice Binchy said he will consider whether or not to allow the case go to the Court of Appeal and is expected to give his ruling next week.
