Man in court over fatal crash which killed six

A man has appeared in court charged with causing the deaths of six people, including two young sisters, in a crash.

Four members of the same family and a married couple were killed in the crash on the A61 between Barnsley and Wakefield in July 2024.

Shane Roller, 33, his partner Shannen Morgan, 30, and their daughters, Rubie and Lillie Morgan-Roller, aged nine and four, died when their Ford Focus car collided with a motorbike being ridden by Christopher and Janine Barton.

Christopher Cockell, 50, of Gresford Close, Woolley Grange, Barnsley, appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court charged with six counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of failing to stop after a road accident.

Cockell, who arrived at court wearing a face mask and hat, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the brief hearing, before being told the offences were too serious to be dealt with by a magistrate.

He did not enter any pleas and was released on bail to appear at Leeds Crown Court on 1 December.

The police and Crown Prosecution Service have not provided any details on Cockell's alleged involvement in the incident.