Michael Lawrence and Michael Howley deny charges relating to fatal boat crash at Marchwood which claimed life of Emily Lewis (15)

TWO men have denied charges over a boat crash at Marchwood which resulted in the death of a 15-year-old girl.

Michael Lawrence (54), of Hartsgrove Avenue, Blackfield, pleaded not guilty at Southampton Magistrates’ Court to gross negligence manslaughter in relation to the incident on 22nd September 2020.

Michael Howley (51), of Stopples Lane, Hordle, denied being the owner of the RIB and failing to take all reasonable steps to secure it was operated in a safe manner.

District Judge Anthony Callaway granted both men unconditional bail to next appear at Winchester Crown Court on 2nd March.

As reported in the A&T, the victim of the incident, which involved a RIB with up to 11 people on board, was Emily Lewis.

It happened on Southampton Water at a point between Hythe pier and Netley Abbey.

An inquest into her death heard Emily, from Park Gate near Southampton, died of an upper abdominal injury.

In a statement, her family said: "We are all in shock that our beautiful daughter and sister is no longer with us, and words just don’t seem available to express our deep sense of loss."