Driver charged over fatal A61 Barnsley crash that killed six people

A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving over a crash that killed six people, including two children.

Shannen Morgan and Shane Roller died along with two of their daughters, nine-year-old Rubie, and Lillie, four, when the family’s car collided with a motorbike on the A61 between Barnsley and Wakefield on 21 July 2024.

Husband and wife Christopher and Janine Barton, from Barnsley, who were both travelling on the motorcycle, also died in the crash.

Christopher Cockell, 50, is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 28 October charged with six counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

An inquest previously heard that the silver Ford Focus being driven by Mr Roller, 33, collided head on with the BMW motorcycle being driven by Mr Barton, 56, at about 15:50 BST between Staincross and Newmillerdam.

Ms Morgan and van driver Mr Roller, who lived in Athersley, Barnsley, had another daughter, aged 11, who was not with them at the time of the crash.

A GoFundMe page, which was set up by a family friend in the wake of the tragedy raised more than £400,000 for her.

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