Mid Wales family tragedy driver charged in court

A 24-year-old Mid Wales man has appeared in court charged with four counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

Gordon Dyche, of Staylittle, Llanbrynmair, Llanidloes, is charged with causing the deaths of Emyr Griffith, 66, Phyllis Hooper 84, and Peter Briscome and Liam Govier both aged 14.

The family, from Pontypridd, died when their car plunged into Llyn Clywedog near Llanidloes on April 20.

The female driver, Denise Griffith, survived after managing to free herself and struggle ashore. But her husband, mother and foster sons all died.

They were believed to have been renting a nearby cottage.

After the accident emergency services began a full-scale rescue operation. Two fire crews, one from Llanidloes and one from Newtown, and rescue boats from Aberystwyth and Llanidloes began a rescue attempt.

A Sea King helicopter was sent from RAF Valley in Anglesey. Other emergency services helicopters were also involved.

Following the tragedy, Mrs Griffith praised emergency services for their efforts in attempting to rescue her family.

Judge Rhys Rowland adjourned the case for a plea hearing back at Mold Crown Court on February 10. Dyche was given conditional bail.