Death charge footballer in court

Luke McCormick's case has been adjourned until September

A footballer has appeared in court accused of causing the deaths of two children by dangerous driving.

Luke McCormick, 24, who plays in goal for Plymouth Argyle, appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court where the case was adjourned until 8 September.

He is accused of causing the deaths of brothers Arron and Ben Peak, aged 10 and eight, from Greater Manchester, on the M6 in Staffordshire on 7 June.

Mr McCormick is also accused of driving with excess alcohol.

Inquests into the deaths have opened

He was released on bail until 8 September, when he is set to enter a plea.

A charge of driving without insurance has been dropped against the footballer, who was born in Coventry.

The boys' father, Philip Peak, 37, suffered a broken back and neck in the crash.

The boys' mother, Amanda Peak, gave evidence at an inquest into her sons' deaths which was opened and adjourned in North Staffordshire on Monday.

The coroner heard that Arron died from internal injuries, and eight-year-old Ben suffered severe head injuries.