M4 crash: Driver accused of drink and drug-driving

A man who admitted killing two young children in a crash on the M4 has appeared in court to face new charges.

Martin Newman, 41, of Croeserw, Neath Port Talbot, has already pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of three year-old Jayden-Lee Lucas and his four-year-old sister Gracie-Ann by dangerous driving

Newman also admitted seriously injuring their mother, Rhiannon Lucas, in the crash on the M4 in Newport in February.

He was also accused of drink and drug driving at Newport Magistrates' Court.

No plea was entered and Newman is due to appear at Newport Crown Court for sentencing on 8 April.

The family, from Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, had been returning from a birthday party on 5 February when the car they were travelling in was struck by the Ford Transit van driven by Newman.

Jayden-Lee and Gracie-Ann were taken to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but both died of their injuries.

Gracie-Ann suffered a cardiac arrest due to the severity of her injuries and died the day after the crash.

Jayden-Lee died on 11 February.

An inquest into the deaths has been opened and adjourned.

Ms Lucas and the children's father, who has not been named, were also treated in hospital for their injuries.