Two in court over M62 hen party death crash

James Johnson, 63, of Whytecote End, Wyke, Bradford, and Kevin Ollerhead, 44, of Lincoln Crescent, St Helens in Merseyside, appeared before Wakefield and Pontefract Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Bethany, 18, of South Elmsall, died when the minibus she was travelling in was involved in collision with a lorry on the M62 at junction 32 near Pontefract last April 26.

The trainee nurse had been travelling from South Elmsall to Liverpool for a hen party.

Johnson has been charged with causing Bethany’s death by driving a Mercedes Vario mini coach dangerously on the M62 at Castleford on April 26 2013.

Ollerhead has been charged with causing Bethany’s death by driving a Daf articulated goods vehicle dangerously at the same location and on the same date.

Both men spoke only to give their names, ages and addresses during the five-minute hearing.

The court clerk read out the charges to both defendants

Prosecutor, Samantha Davidson said the case could only be heard at crown court.

Deputy district judge Philip Holden told the defendants: “Because of the nature of these charges, they have to pass through the magistrates’ court very quickly to a more senior court.

“I am sending the charges against each of you to the crown court at Leeds for a hearing on February 3 in the morning.”

Both men were released on unconditional bail ahead of the crown court hearing.