Shauna (left) an Kelsey Marie Stokes who died in crash in 2020
Mary Michelle Stokes, 23, appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court, in Co Durham, on Friday charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of serious injury by dangerous driving.
During the short hearing, Stokes who wore a black coat, confirmed her full name and address to the court.
No pleas were entered and the case was sent to Durham Crown Court.
Kelsey Marie Stokes, aged three, and her cousin, Shauna Stokes, 17, died following a collision between Horden and Blackhall Colliery in Co Durham on September 2, 2020.
Kelsey was pronounced dead later the same day in Sunderland Royal Hospital, while Shauna died as a result of her injuries the following day.
The girls had been living in England but were originally from Co Derry.
They had been out to celebrate the 17th birthdays of Shauna and her twin sister Kelly.
Tributes were left on the side of the road for the two “beautiful angels” and other moving messages said the girls will “rest in heavenly peace”.
Several hundred people gathered to say goodbye to the girls at a touching service held in St Joseph’s Church in Galliagh, Co Derry, with many wearing photographs of the two girls on t-shirts.
A small plane flying a banner with the words ‘2 Beautiful Angels Left 4 Heaven’ flew overhead as the girls were taken from the church at the end of the service.
Stokes is due to appear at Durham Crown Court on May 14 at 10am.
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