Man denies murder after Evesham car river plunge

A man has denied murdering his daughter and the attempted murder of his son after the car they were in plunged into a river in Worcestershire.

Christopher Grady, 42, appeared at Worcester Crown Court accused of murdering Gabrielle, aged five, who died after being rescued in Evesham.

His six-year-old son Ryan escaped from the car, in February.

Mr Grady, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody and will stand trial on 28 February 2011.

Police divers

Gabrielle died in hospital three days after being rescued from the submerged vehicle.

Ryan was pulled from the water by police officers.

Mr Grady, who was subjected to shouts of abuse from the public gallery, is formally accused of murdering Gabrielle on 14 February, the day the schoolgirl died at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Gabrielle, who was trapped under water for more than an hour, was airlifted to hospital on 11 February after being rescued from the car by police divers.

Mr Grady, who spoke only to confirm his name and his pleas, is accused of attempting to murder Ryan on 11 February.