Megan Bannister: Pair face trial as post-mortem finds ‘not consistent’ with car crash

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Jason Burder and Adam King will stand trial accused of killing Megan Bannister

Jason Burder and Adam King, both 28, appeared in court via video link yesterday. 

They are charged with gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of Megan, 16. 

The teenager’s body was discovered in the back of a Vauxhall Astra which crashed on May 14. 

Burder and King were arrested after the car was in collision with a motorbike in Enderby, Leics. 

A post-mortem examination concluded Megan’s injuries were not consistent with a road collision. 

The accused – who are being held in HMP Nottingham – were not required to enter pleas during the brief hearing. 

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The teen was found dead in the back seat of a Vauxhall Astra following a crash

Megan was our beautiful, talented, loving daughter and sister

Family statement

They were remanded in custody at Leicester Crown Court until a further hearing on September 8. 

Burder and King spoke only to confirm their names and that they could hear proceedings. 

Megan’s parents Tony, 54, and Carol, 49, watched from the public gallery supported by friends. 

PA

A post-mortem found Megan’s injuries were not consistent with a road collision

At the time of their daughter’s death, the couple issued a statement through the police. 

It read: “Megan was our beautiful, talented, loving daughter and sister, and our hearts have been utterly broken by her death. 

“The thought of life without Megan is impossible to imagine and we cannot adequately express in words the sense of numbness and overwhelming grief we feel at her loss. 

“She was bright, clever and a responsible person who loved her family and her many friends. 

“She had a strong self-will and had set her heart on training to becoming a midwife. 

“Knowing how confident and determined she was, we have no doubt she would have realised that dream.” 

The trial is due to take place at Birmingham Crown Court on November 14.