A man has appeared in court accused of causing the deaths of six people by dangerous driving - including a couple and two of their children.
Shannen Morgan and Shane Roller died alongside two of their daughters - Rubie, nine, and Lillie, four - when the family's car collided with a motorbike on the A61 between Barnsley and Wakefield on July 21, 2024.
A third daughter who was not in the vehicle was left orphaned by the crash.
Husband and wife Christopher Barton, 56, and Janine Barton, 48, from Barnsley, who were both on the motorcycle, also died.
Christopher Cockell, 50, appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court this afternoon charged with six counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
At a two-minute hearing, no details were provided about his alleged role in the crash.
Entering the dock wearing a face mask and a woolly hat, Cockell spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.
District Judge David Kitson told him that the charges he faces are so serious they can only be dealt with by a Crown Court judge.
Cockell was granted bail to next appear at Leeds Crown Court on December 1.
Family members of those killed were in attendance at court during the brief hearing.
An inquest opening previously heard that the silver Ford Focus being driven by Mr Roller, 33, collided head-on with the BMW S100 XR motorcycle being driven by Mr Barton, 56, at around 3.50pm.
Christopher Cockell, 50, arriving at Leeds Magistrates' Court, is accused of six counts of causing death by dangerous driving
Shane Roller, his partner Shannen Morgan, and their children Lillie and Rubie died when their Ford Focus crashed into a motorbike
A GoFundMe page was set up to pay for their surviving daughter's education, emotional support and future care
Lillie and Rubie tragically died in the crash. They are pictured with their surviving sister
Husband and wife Christopher and Janine Barton, who were riding a motorcycle, were also killed in the crash
Mr Roller's brother, Callum, wrote on social media at the time to say he was 'lost for words' following the harrowing incident.
'I'm absolutely heartbroken. I'm gonna miss all of you! It's absolutely broken my heart and it's absolutely broken both sides of the family!' he wrote.
Teachers of Athersley North Primary School, which Rubie and Lillie had attended, said the girls had been 'a delight to teach'.
In a statement, Clare Storr and Kirsty Wordsworth, said: 'The girls were a credit to their parents, who were always incredibly supportive and who will also be greatly missed.'
Footage of the aftermath of the crash showed a burnt-out car and a large police presence on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley.
West Yorkshire Police described the collision as an 'absolutely tragic incident' and called for witnesses to come forward with dashcam footage.
The surviving daughter has been described as 'bright and resilient', with an 'infectious smile and a kind heart'.
The fundraising page said she enjoys playing football and playing outdoors, and is also a 'huge Taylor Swift fan'.
An aerial photo taken of the crash site on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley in 2024
Pictures from the aftermath of the crash showed a burnt-out car by the side of the road
West Yorkshire Police described the collision as an 'absolutely tragic incident'
It is understood the family's Ford Focus burst into flames after colliding with the motorbike. Images show the blackened and mangled wreckage of the vehicle in a grass verge.
Debris, believed to be from the motorbike, could be seen strewn in the middle of the road.
Superintendent Alan Travis of Wakefield District Police said at the time: 'This is an absolutely tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of six lives.
'Our thoughts go out to the families of those who have died who we are working with to provide support at this time.'
