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Monday, March 14, 2011

Motorcyclists charged over crash deaths of couple

Motorcyclists charged over crash deaths of couple

14 March 2011 Last updated at 08:03


Five men have been charged with causing the deaths of a couple in a motorcycle crash in North Yorkshire.



Dean and Helen Slater, from Thornton, Bradford, died when their motorbike and a car collided on the A162 between Tadcaster and Sherburn in Elmet.

The men, from the Bradford area, have been charged with causing deaths by dangerous driving.

North Yorkshire Police said all five men had been riding motorcycles at the time of the crash on 25 August.

Group of motorcycles

Four of men, aged 26, 28, 29 and 31, have each been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

A 36-year-old man has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing death by dangerous driving while uninsured.

Police said they were due to appear at Selby Magistrates' Court on 31 March.

Mr and Mrs Slater, originally from Morley, Leeds, were travelling in a group of six motorcycles when the crash happened.

Mr Slater, 40, and Mrs Slater, 37, who was the pillion passenger, were thrown from their bike and died instantly.

Comment: At least since the 1960s the A162 and the nearby B16222 have been the haunt of motorcyclists, and both roads have seen many crashes and quite a few serious injuries and fatalities. Motorcyclists treat the roads like the Isle of Man TT Races. They forget that they don't own them and that there are other road users.

Those familiar with the area will know that the bikers hang out at Squires Cafe, which used to be located at Sherburn in Elmet until it was relocated at a closed public house on the B16222.

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