Teens in dock over death - Accused of hitting newly-wed in stolen car
Two youths have appeared in court charged in connection with the death of a telecoms engineer after he was hit by a car as he worked on the roadside.
The pair, who cannot be identified due to their age, are alleged to have been in a stolen car when they careered into two Virgin Media technicians working on a communications box in a Coseley street.
Moving tributes were paid to Matthew Harding, a 27-year-old newlywed from Oldbury, following the tragedy last summer.
He and colleague Jermaine Buchanan were working at the junction of Jack Holden Avenue and Robert Wynd when both were hit by a grey Citroen Picasso on July 20.
People rushed to help the injured workmen following the collision just before midday. Police put up a cordon around the area as they investigated the incident. Debris from the damaged communications box was strewn across the road.
Mr Harding, who had married just a week earlier, died the following day in hospital while Mr Buchanan suffered a broken arm and jaw, and a twisted ankle. He has since made a full recovery.
The boys, both now 17, appeared before district judge Michael Wheeler at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court yesterday. The case was sent to the crown court to be heard.
It is alleged that the first youth, who was dressed in a shirt and tie for the court hearing, was at the wheel of the stolen car when it veered off the road and collided with the two technicians. He faces two charges, of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The second youth, dressed in denim, is accused of aggravated vehicle taking, in that he was a passenger in a car that was being driven dangerously when it fatally struck Mr Harding. The pair, aged 16 at the time, were arrested at the scene.
Mr Harding's widow, Danielle, who was at his hospital bed when he died, said she and their children were 'well and truly heartbroken,'
In an emotional tribute to him, she said: "I don't know how we're all going to go on without you. Our babies are devastated because daddy is gone. There is no man out there who could or ever would be as amazing, caring and loving as you.
"You truly wore your heart on your sleeve babes. I'm so honestly grateful I had the pleasure of knowing you and being your wife. You really made us whole. Our worlds have been completely broken at this great loss. You were our hero."
The two youths were bailed to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on May 12. Bail was unconditional.
