Man denies double murder after e-bike crash deaths

William Birchard was one of two men named by Surrey Police who died in the crash

A man has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder following a crash involving an e-bike in Surrey.

Alex Rose, 29, from Sunbury, appeared at Guildford Crown Court on Tuesday where he also denied a single charge of perverting the course of justice.

William Birchard, 21, from Colnbrook, and Darren George, 22, from Egham, were killed in a collision on 22 July on the A316 southbound slip road on the M3 in Sunbury-on-Thames.

The court heard Rose is accused of murdering Mr Birchard and Mr George, as well as falsely reporting his black Ford Ranger as stolen between 21 and 22 July.

Rose, who appeared via video link from HMP Wandsworth, spoke only to confirm his name and to enter his not guilty pleas during a short hearing.

Co-defendant Tara Knaggs, 24, of Great Ayton, Yorkshire, has denied assisting an offender.

It is alleged that she booked a hotel for Mr Rose and flights for him to leave the UK "with intent to impede" his apprehension.

Both defendants will next appear in court in January. Trial proceedings are set for 11 August 2025.

Additional reporting by PA Media.

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