A man has been formally charged with causing death by dangerous driving in connection with a tragic road collision on the A61 between Barnsley and Wakefield that claimed the lives of six individuals, two of whom were children.
Christopher Cockell, aged 50, is scheduled to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 28 October to face six separate counts related to the fatal incident.
The collision occurred on 21 July 2024 at approximately 15:50 BST near Staincross and Newmillerdam. An inquest revealed that a silver Ford Focus, driven by 33-year-old Shane Roller, collided head-on with a BMW motorcycle ridden by 56-year-old Christopher Barton.
The crash resulted in the deaths of Roller, Barton, and Barton’s wife Janine. Also killed were Roller’s partner, Shannen Morgan, and their daughters, nine-year-old Rubie and four-year-old Lillie.
The family originally from Athersley, Barnsley, had another daughter, aged 11, who was not present during the journey and survived the tragedy.
In the aftermath of the accident, an online fundraising page established by a family friend surpassed £400,000 in donations.
Graham Roller, the father of the motorist, paid tribute to his son and daughter-in-law following the crash. He described Shane as an
Tragic事故 on that stretch of road before too. Is there really no plan to improve safety there?
The fundraising total is incredible. Over £400,000 shows how much the community cares right now.
Why exactly was he charged only now? It’s been over a year since the crash in July.
I still can’t believe this happened. How does a whole family just vanish like that?
Absolutely heartbreaking. Six lives lost, including two young children. My thoughts are with every family involved.