FIREWORKS display organiser Geoffrey Counsell has appeared in court this morning (November 12) charged with seven counts of manslaughter over last year's M5 deaths.

Mr Counsell, 50, of Ashill, spoke only to confirm his name and address during a brief appearance at Bristol Magistrates' Court.

The defendant did not enter a plea and the case was committed to Bristol Crown Court, where Mr Counsell will next appear on December 4. He was released on bail.

Seven people died and dozens were injured following a crash near junction 25 of the motorway at Taunton on November 4, 2011.