Man accused of killing baby Ciaran in Brownhills crash will not face trial until next year

Ciaran Leigh Morris was being pushed along the pavement in a pram by family in High Street, Brownhills, at about 4pm on Easter Sunday, when he was struck by a car.

James Paul Davis, 35, previously entered pleas of not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and a separate offence of causing death by driving while uninsured, in connection with the incident.

Davis, of Croxtalls Avenue, Bloxwich, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday for an administrative hearing, ahead of what was due to be the start of his trial, next week.

However, the court heard that delays in getting case reports meant the trial, estimated to last up to five days, would now have to move to 2022.

The Recorder of Wolverhampton, judge Michael Chambers QC, told Davis: "There was to be a trial on October 4, but that had to be vacated."

He added: "The first date at which the court can accommodate this case, due to pressure of cases caused by the Covid pandemic, is March 21 2022."

Davis was remanded into custody.

Ciaran's funeral took place on April 28, with the cortege, led by a horse-drawn hearse, passing near to the scene of the crash.

An inquest was opened and adjourned earlier this month pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.

Brownhills turned blue in memory of the two-week-old, with ribbons and balloons adorning the town, as well as floral tributes and messages to his family being left at the scene following the incident.

A crowdfunding appeal to support the family raised almost £39,000, with 2,149 people making donations.

Ciaran's parents paid an emotional tribute to their son, in a statement released shortly after the crash.

They said: "Mommy's and Daddy's hearts will always ache, we love you more than anything.

"We didn't get to keep you for long but we are happy we had the chance to meet you, look after you and call you our son.

"Fly high angel."