'Lake deaths' charges denied

Courtney Barker will face trial in April

The driver of a car that plunged into a lake killing three young children has denied three charges of manslaughter.

Courtney Barker, 22, of Morris Close, Luton, pleaded not guilty to the unlawful killing of Imran Khan, aged six, Aaron Khan, aged five, and their half-sister Sharla Blair, aged three.

The children's mother, Mr Barker's girlfriend Claire Armstrong, 22, watched from the public gallery as the pleas were entered at Luton Crown Court on Friday.

All three children drowned after becoming trapped in the car when it went into the Blue Lagoon at Arlesey, Bedfordshire, on 28 July this year.

Ms Armstrong, Mr Barker and family friend Ryan Purdy managed to escape from the Vauxhall Astra car as it sank in 20ft of water.

Mr Barker's trial, which will take place in April, is expected to last for between two and three weeks.

He was released on conditional bail and ordered to sleep at his home address and not to contact any prosecution witnesses.