A lorry driver accused of causing the death of a man and his two daughters on the M26 appeared before magistrates this afternoon.

Slovakian Juraj Orsula is facing three counts of causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury while driving dangerously.

The 46-year-old was charged following a huge crash on the motorway in April, which killed French nationals Michael Akande, 54, and his daughters Mary and Helen.

Mary, 16, and Helen, 22, were pronounced dead at the scene but their father battled his injuries in hospital for two weeks before dying.

Orsula, now of Broad Street, Ely, had been bailed and banned from leaving the country until today's hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court.

He did not enter a plea and will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on January 2.

Mr Akande was a religious speaker and both girls were students.

The accident, which involved two lorries, two cars and a van, left another eight people needing hospital treatment, including a 10-year-old boy.

Inquests into the three deaths were due to take place at Tunbridge Wells Coroner’s’ Court, in Crescent Road, in July, but these have since been postponed.

The case is expected to be committed to the crown court this afternoon.

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