CHRISTOPHER COCKELL FACES CHARGES OVER SIX A61 CRASH DEATHS

Christopher Cockell appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with causing the deaths of six people in a July 2024 crash on the A61. He faces six counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of failing to stop after a road accident. The collision killed four members of one family and a married couple travelling on a motorcycle. Cockell, of Gresford Close, Woolley Grange, Barnsley, did not enter any pleas.

Shane Roller, his partner Shannen Morgan and their daughters Rubie and Lillie Morgan-Roller were travelling in a Ford Focus. Christopher and Janine Barton, the married couple, were on a BMW S100 XR motorcycle. The crash occurred near Mapplewell, on the A61 between Barnsley and Wakefield. Roller and Morgan had a third daughter who was not in the car.

Cockell spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the brief hearing. Members of the victims’ families attended court. District Judge Kitson told Cockell: “All of these matters are now sent to the Leeds Crown Court.” The court released Cockell on unconditional bail ahead of a hearing there on 1 December. Police and the Crown Prosecution Service have not provided details of Cockell’s alleged involvement in the crash.