James Paul Davis, 34, today denied causing death by dangerous driving
A BMW driver today denied causing the death of a two-week-old baby boy who was killed when his pram was struck by a car.
Ciaran Leigh Morris was crushed against a wall by the car when it mounted the pavement in Brownhills, Walsall on Easter Sunday.
The newborn’s parents Camaron Morris and Codie Holyman, both 18, were said to have been taking him for his first-ever walk when the horror unfolded at around 4pm.
His mother and father watched as emergency services desperately tried to save the tot’s life but he was pronounced dead despite the best efforts of medics.
Today James Paul Davis, of Bloxwich, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
The 34-year-old has also been charged with causing death while driving uninsured.
Davis, who appeared via video link from HMP Birmingham, where he is being held on remand, wore a grey prison sweatshirt and spoke only to confirm his name, age, address and enter his not guilty pleas.
He sat emotionless with his arms and hands placed on his thighs whilst looking around a room and directly into the camera.
Ciaran Leigh Morris (pictured) was being pushed along the pavement by family in High Street, Brownhills, Walsall, at about 4pm on April 4 when the collision happened
Davis was remanded in custody to next appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court for a pre-trial review hearing on September 3.
A preliminary trial date has been set for October 4.
Judge Michael Chambers QC told the defendant: ‘Mr Davis your case is being adjourned for a trial and at the moment that is going to be listed on October 4.
‘But the date may need to be altered so you need to keep in touch with your solicitors.
‘If you choose not to attend your trial you run the risk that it may proceed in your absence.
‘You also have a right to give evidence at any such trial and it is required of you to file a defence case statement which lawyers will help you by July 30.
‘In the meantime, you must remain in custody.’
An inquest opened last month was told Ciaran died as a result of of ‘major trauma’ and that his parents had to identify his body.
The day after the crash his mum and dad visited the scene for more than an hour to view dozens of floral tributes left by well-wishers and family and friends.
Camaron, a McDonald’s worker, and Codie, a college student, both wore black and held hands as they clutched Ciaran’s favourite cuddly toys.
The newborn’s parents Camaron Morris and Codie Holyman, both 18, were said to have been taking him for his first-ever walk when the horror unfolded at around 4pm
Friends said the couple were ‘numb with grief’ before they later paid tribute in a heartbreaking statement issued by police saying: ‘Fly high angel.’
They said: ‘Mummy 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.’
A crowdfunding page set up to raise £2,000 to help support the family has so far raised £38,920.
West Midlands Police said the crash, which happened on Brownhills High Street, happened after the car was in collision with a Ford vehicle.
It then mounted the pavement and struck the pram being pushed along by Ciaran’s family leaving the youngster with catastrophic injuries.
West Midlands Police said the crash, which happened on Brownhills High Street, happened after the car was in collision with a Ford vehicle
Sergeant Mark Crozier said previously: ‘We’ve all been left numb by the sad death of Ciaran.
‘He was just two-weeks-old and his life has been tragically taken away.
‘To see the loss of someone so young is difficult for us as officers, but we know the pain is even greater for Ciaran’s family.
‘We’ll be doing all we can to support them while also trying to establish what happened leading to the collision.’
