Lorry driver appears in court after Ryanair pilots killed in M62 crash

Anthony Burns, of Upton, made his first appearance at court this week

11:35, 29 Nov 2025

A lorry driver accused of causing the death of two Ryanair pilots in a motorway pile-up has appeared in court. Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and senior first officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, were travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport[1] in a taxi at 5.31am on July 11, 2024 when they were killed in a crash on the M62.

The incident, which involved the taxi and two lorries, occurred on the westbound carriageway between junction 8 and junction 7. Mr Greenhalgh and Mr Fernandes died at the scene, while the taxi driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Cheshire Constabulary[2] confirmed last month that a man had been charged in relation to the incident[3].

Anthony Burns, 63, was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Burns, of Headington Road, Upton[4], appeared before Warrington[5] Magistrates' Court on Tuesday for a first appearance.

The next hearing, which will be for a plea and trial preparation, will take place on December 23. Burns was granted unconditional bail.

Following his death, Mr Greenhalgh's family said: "Matt had a passion for life and seized every opportunity that came his way. He had already achieved so much in such a short life, with so much more planned.

"Matt discovered his ambition for becoming a pilot in his teenage years, following a flying lesson that was gifted by his aunt.

His hard work and determination led to a successful career with Ryanair, recently being promoted to captain.

"He loved the skies and flying, never growing tired of the scenic views from the cockpit."

Mr Fernandes' family added: "Jamie was living his best life and had so many plans for the future. In his too-short life, he packed in so much and made the most of every moment.

"We are grateful that he had achieved the dream he had had from childhood of flying.

"He looked forward to every day at work, where it is obvious he was with a very special family of colleagues and friends, and as he said, 'the sun always shines above the clouds'."

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References

1. ^ Liverpool John Lennon Airport (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
2. ^ Cheshire Constabulary (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
3. ^ charged in relation to the incident (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
4. ^ Upton (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
5. ^ Warrington (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
6. ^ liverpoolecho.co.uk/news (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
7. ^ daily and breaking newsletter (data.reachplc.com)
8. ^ here (data.reachplc.com)
9. ^ @LivECHONews (twitter.com)
10. ^ Bluesky @liverpoolecho.co.uk (bsky.app)
11. ^ Facebook/theliverpoolecho (www.facebook.com)