Wales mine deaths: Gleision boss Malcolm Fyfield in court

Malcolm Fyfield spoke to confirm his personal details in the court hearing

A mine manager and two directors of a mining company have appeared in court charged over the deaths of four miners in a Swansea Valley pit.

Malcolm Fyfield, 57, appeared in Cardiff Magistrates' Court charged with four counts of gross negligence manslaughter.

MNS Mining Ltd is accused of four counts of corporate manslaughter.

The case was sent to Swansea Crown Court for a hearing on 11 February. Mr Fyfield was given conditional bail.

Mr Fyfield spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth in court.

Charles Breslin, Phillip Hill, Garry Jenkins and David Powell when the mine flooded in September 2011

Two directors, who were named in court as Maria Seage and Gerald Ward, appeared on behalf of the company.

Seage and Ward also only spoke to confirm their identities.

David Powell, 50, Charles Breslin, 62, Philip Hill, 44, and Garry Jenkins, 39, died in the Swansea Valley mine on 15 September 2011.

The disaster unfolded on a hillside above the village of Godregraig and drew nationwide attention.

Rescuers tried in vain to save the four trapped men, who were all experienced miners.

After the deaths a charity fund was launched for the victims' families, with donations exceeding £1m.