Reservoir deaths case before court

A 24-year-old man today denied causing four deaths by dangerous or careless driving after a car ploughed into a reservoir in Mid Wales.

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

The family, who came from Pontypridd, near Cardiff, died when their car plunged into Llyn Clywedog near Llanidloes on April 20 last year.

Denise Griffith, 55, foster mother of the boys, survived but lost her husband and mother.

Dyche, a mechanic, appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court to enter his not guilty pleas to the eight charges.

Judge Merfyn Hughes QC adjourned the case until a trial date, which is yet to be fixed.

He is on bail with conditions of residence and a 9pm to 5am tagged curfew.