Stuart and Fraser Bates: Man in court over fatal crash

A 22-year-old man has appeared in court accused of causing the deaths of a father and son in Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Stuart Bates, 43, and seven-year-old Fraser were killed when they were hit by a car in Talbot Green in December.

Joshua Staples, from Tonyrefail, appeared at Pontypridd Magistrates' Court charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

The case was sent to Cardiff Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 3 June.

Mr Bates and his son were crossing the A4119 at about 00:30 GMT on 6 December when they were hit by a car.

Mr Bates was taken to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital where he died from his injuries.

Fraser was taken to Bristol Children's Hospital but also died from the head injuries he sustained.