Soldier Charged With Causing 'Dreadful' Deaths Of Teenage Girls

A soldier has appeared in court charged with causing the deaths of two teenage athletes in a road crash.

District Judge Phillip Gillibrand expressed his sympathy for the "anguish" being suffered by the family members of the two girls, who attended the short hearing.

Stacey Burrows, 16, was on a training run with 17-year-old Lucy Pygott when they were hit by a black Ford Focus on Queen's Avenue, Aldershot, Hampshire, last November 8.

Michael Casey, of St Pauls Road, Tottenham, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

District Judge Gillibrand said:

"These are dreadful cases. I would like to pass on my sympathy to you. I do not know the incident but I myself lost my brother in a road traffic accident.

"I know the trauma and the anguish you must be going through, I send you my sympathy."

The 24-year-old defendant, wearing a blue suit, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

He did not enter pleas to the two charges but the court was told he was likely to enter a plea when the case is next heard at Winchester Crown Court on April 13.

He was released on unconditional bail until then.

Cover image a file photo of Aldershot, courtesy of Thomas Nugent.