Man in court over M6 family deaths

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Paulo Jorge Nogueira da Silva, 46, appeared before Chester Crown Court charged with six counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

During the short hearing he was joined by an interpreter in the dock and spoke only to confirm his name.

The driver, of Calle Romero, Tutana, Murcia, in Spain, was in the dock over the deaths of David and Michelle Statham and their four children. A plea and case management hearing will take place on January 13 next year. The defendant has been remanded in custody.

Meanwhile, mourners gathered for the funeral of the family.

David and Michelle Statham and their four children, Reece, 13, Jay nine, Mason 20 months and 10-week-old Ellouise died when their people carrier was involved in the five-car pile up on the M6 on October 20.

Chef Mr Statham, 38, and his 33-year-old wife were returning home to Llandudno after visiting relatives in Birmingham when they were involved in the crash near Sandbach, Cheshire.

Four coffins were taken into Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic church, Llandudno, on Monday night. It is understood Ellouise is being cremated with her father and Mason with his mother. Jay's coffin was shaped like a Tardis.

Reece's coffin was painted in the colours of Aston Villa football club.

Around 200 people packed inside the church for the service, conducted in both English and Welsh. Mr Statham's mother, Angela, and Michelle's parents, Carole and Peter Hagans, were supported by friends and family from Birmingham along with friends of the couple from Llandudno and classmates of the children, representatives of the emergency services and the local community.