Man in court over Lichfield crash that killed two 'beautiful' teenagers Martha Swift and Sylvie Bates, both 16, died following a collision with a white Vauxhall Vivaro van on Lichfield Road, in Whittington Martha Swift and Sylvie Bates (Image: Staffordshire Police ) A man charged over the deaths of two 'beautiful' teenage girls has appeared in court. Martha Swift and Sylvie Bates, both 16, died following a collision with a white Vauxhall Vivaro van on Lichfield Road, in Whittington, on May 29, 2023. ‌ The girls both suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital. ‌ READ MORE: West Midlands car cruisers warned as street racer gets 'severe consequences' Tragically Sylvie died on May 31, 2023, and Martha died four days later on June 2, 2023. Michael Riley was later charged with two counts of causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving. Article continues below The 29-year-old appeared at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Thursday, May 1. Riley, from Lichfield, entered not guilty please to both charges. He is next due to appear at Stafford Crown Court on May 27. ‌ The families of Martha and Sylvie issued a joint statement at the time of their deaths. Paying tribute to the teens, they said: "We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful and loving daughters and sisters. "Please respect our privacy at this difficult time." Article continues below Last summer, Sylvie was posthumously honoured for helping to save lives by donating her organs. The youngster donated a number of organs including her heart, liver and pancreas, helping five people, according to NHS Blood and Transplant. Her mother accepted the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation on her behalf at the private ceremony.