Goalkeeper in court over boy's deaths

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The mother of two young boys killed in a motorway crash has returned to court to see a Plymouth Argyle footballer charged with causing their deaths.

Amanda Peak, 30, remained composed as goalkeeper Luke McCormick appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court for a preliminary hearing over the deaths of Arron Peak, 10, and his brother Ben, eight.

The 24-year-old is charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol. A charge of driving without insurance has been withdrawn, the court heard today.

A sombre-looking McCormick, wearing a dark suit, spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the proceedings.

He was bailed to appear at the same court on 8 September, when he will enter a plea.

The boys, from Partington, Manchester, were killed on the M6 in Staffordshire on 7 June as they made their way to the Silverstone racetrack for a day out.

The Toyota Previa people carrier in which they were travelling with their father and three friends was hit by a black Range Rover shortly before 5.45am.

The boys' father, Phil Peak, 37, who was at the wheel of the Toyota, was left seriously injured. He sustained a suspected broken neck and back in the crash and was treated at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

Mrs Peak attended McCormick's first court appearance at Fenton magistrates' court in Stoke-on-Trent last week clutching a teddy bear and a framed photograph of her sons.

Coventry-born McCormick is a former England youth international and was twice voted Argyle's young player of the season.