AN EVESHAM lorry driver has denied a string of charges following a crash on the M1 in which eight people were killed.
Ryszard Masierak, 31, of Barnards Close, Evesham pleaded not guilty to eight counts of death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing serious injury at Aylesbury Crown Court today.
Masierak also pleaded not guilty to eight counts of causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed alcohol limit.
The driver of the other lorry involved in the deadly crash on the stretch of motorway in Buckinghamshire, David Wagstaff, also appeared at the same court today.
He pleaded not guilty to eight counts of death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing serious injury.
The 53-year-old, from Stoke-on-Trent, did though plead guilty to eight lesser charges of causing death by careless driving, and four counts of careless driving.
Minibus driver Cyriac Joseph, who was taking a party of Indian tourists to London, is believed to have collided with a second lorry as he attempted to avoid Masierak’s vehicle.
He died along with five other men and two women, while four other passengers were taken to hospital.
The two lorry drivers will now stand trial on Monday, Fevruary 26 2018 at Aylesbury Crown Court.
Mr Masierak was remanded in custody, while Mr Wagstaff was given bail.
