Man charged with crash deaths

Three children were knocked down on Belfast's Springfield Road

A man has been charged with causing the deaths of two children by dangerous driving in west Belfast.

Wayne Johnston, 42, from Highfield Drive, Belfast appeared before the city's Magistrates Court on Monday.

The charges relate to an incident on Friday when three children were knocked down on the Springfield Road in the city.

Christopher Shaw, who would have celebrated his 12th birthday on Monday, died instantly while eight-year-old Emma Lynch died of her injuries in hospital on Sunday.

Mr Johnston was also charged with causing grievous bodily injury to Christopher's 13-year-old brother Darren who remains in a critical condition in hospital.

In court, a solicitor for Mr Johnston said he deeply regretted the deaths of the children and sent his deepest sympathies to the families.

A detective sergeant told the court he believed he could connect Mr Johnston with the charges.

He was granted bail but ordered not to drive pending his trial.

Resident Magistrate Mark Hamill said he must obey a curfew and live at an address handed into the court.

Mr Johnston is also not permitted to drive between now and his trial.

He is due to appear before the court on 2 February 2004.