A lorry driver implicated in the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants, who perished in a refrigerated trailer in Essex, has been released from prison after serving only half of his seven-year sentence.
The driver, who worked for a criminal gang involved in human trafficking, was convicted for his role in the tragic incident that shocked the nation. The victims, including men, women, and children, were found dead in the lorry in October 2019.
Despite the severity of the crime, the driver has been granted early release, sparking outrage among campaigners and the victims' families. The case highlighted the brutal realities of people smuggling and the exploitation of vulnerable migrants.
Authorities have faced criticism over the leniency of the sentence, with calls for stricter penalties for those involved in human trafficking networks. The gang responsible for the operation was known for its ruthless methods, often subjecting migrants to inhumane conditions.
The incident remains one of the UK's worst modern-day tragedies involving illegal immigration, prompting renewed debates over border security and the need for international cooperation to combat trafficking.
