Man charged with causing six deaths by dangerous driving
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Christopher Cockell, aged 50, has been charged with six counts of causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal collision on the A61 between Barnsley and Wakefield on 21 July 2024. The crash killed six people: Shannen Morgan and Shane Roller, their young daughters Rubie (9) and Lillie (4), and Christopher and Janine Barton, a married couple who were travelling on the motorcycle involved in the collision. This represents a significant criminal charge reflecting the severity of the incident and its tragic loss of life, including two children.
The collision occurred at approximately 15:50 BST when a silver Ford Focus driven by Shane Roller, 33, collided head-on with a BMW motorcycle driven by Christopher Barton, 56. Cockell is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates' Court on 28 October. The Roller family had an 11-year-old daughter who was not present at the time; a fundraising page set up for her raised over £400,000. The Bartons had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, and both victims' families were described by their communities as loving and supportive.
- Man charged with six counts of causing death by dangerous driving after July 2024 head-on crash
- Collision killed four from one family, including two young children, plus motorcycle couple
- Defendant appears in court 28 October; surviving child supported by £400,000+ fundraiser
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On 21 July 2024, a fatal collision occurred on the A61 between Barnsley and Wakefield, killing six people. A man has been charged with causing their deaths through dangerous driving, a serious criminal charge that reflects the severity of the incident.
The six victims came from two families. Shannen Morgan and Shane Roller were travelling with their young daughters Rubie, aged nine, and Lillie, aged four. Also killed were Christopher and Janine Barton, a married couple who were on a motorcycle.
The Roller family had an 11-year-old daughter who was not in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Both families were described by their communities as loving and supportive.
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