TWO men charged in connection with a crash that killed two teenagers and injured five other people have appeared before magistrates.

Luke Jack Ridley, 23 of Victoria Road, Thornaby and William James Corser, 18 of St Mary’s Walk, Thirsk, appeared at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday.

The appearances follow a crash in March this year which killed teenagers George Thomas Turner and Mason Pearson, both 17.

Mr Corser is charged with dangerous driving. He entered a not guilty plea to magistrates.

Mr Ridley is charged with two counts of death by dangerous driving and five counts of serious injury by dangerous driving.

The crash happened on the A61 near Thirsk between Busby Stoop and Carlton Miniott on March 7.

The Northern Echo: TRIBUTES: Flowers left at the scene of the crash on the A61 near Thirsk in which two 17-year-olds died. Picture: PA

Visitors to the crash site where tributes were laid to Mason Pearson and George Turner

The court heard how Mr Ridley was driving a green Volkswagen Bora, containing George and Mason and two other passengers, which was in collision with a black Ford Focus travelling in the opposite direction.

The crash left occupants of the Ford Focus with serious injuries.

Two adults, a three-year-old girl and a six-month old boy were all taken to hospital.

The court heard that Mr Corser was driving a third vehicle that was not directly involved in the crash but was travelling in company with the Volkswagen Bora.

The magistrates were told by the prosecution that as Mr Ridley’s two charges of death by dangerous driving were indictable only, his case could only be tried by the crown court.

Mr Corser’s charge was considered an either-way offence and was sent to the crown court.

Their cases will next be heard at Teesside Crown Court on January 15.

Mr Ridley was released on conditional bail, while Mr Corser was released on unconditional bail.

Concluding the proceedings, the presiding magistrate offered his sympathy towards family members of the two victims George and Mason.

Tributes were paid to the pair following their deaths in March which shocked the Thirsk community. They were described as popular boys who loved football.