A MOTORIST accused of killing 14-year-old Liberty Baker as she walked to school appeared in court today.

Robert Blackwell, 19, was watched by about 20 of Liberty’s family as he stood in the dock at Banbury Magsitrates’ Court accused of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Liberty and two other 14-year-old friends, Bronte Moulder and Mercy Greaney, were walking to The Henry Box School when the collision happened in Curbridge Road, Witney,on June 30.

Paul Cracknell, who was walking behind them, suffered a broken leg and other injuries and was also taken to hospital.

Blackwell, of Hayway Lane, Weald, near Bampton, spoke only to confirm his name and address during the 10-minute hearing in front of presiding magistrate Lyn Coleman.

Dressed in a light blue shirt, grey trousers and a blue tie, the teenager entered no pleas and was released on unconditional bail to appear at Oxford Crown Court on December 8 for a preliminary hearing.

Several members of Liberty’s family sobbed as her name was read out in court and many held hands throughout the hearing.

Our top stories

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.