The driver of a New York refuse cart which went of control and killed holidaying Somerset couple Jackie Timmins and Andrew Hardie has been charged with murder.

Auvryn Scarlett, 52, an epileptic who had failed to take medication before driving the vehicle, was originally charged wth manslaughter following the death of the Yeovil-based couple last February.

Manhattan prosecutor Christopher Ryan told a New York court yesterday that the more serious charge follows the discovery that Scarlett hid his medical condition to get his driver's licence.

If convicted Scarlett could spend the rest of his life in prison instead of the 15 years he faced if convicted of manslaughter.

Mrs Timmins, 47, was a mother of four and Mr Hardie a father of two. Both their families have been devastated by their loss.

Mrs Timmins' mother, Mrs Barbara Norton, of Langport said: "It is terrible news. It looks as though he should never have had the job, and I have lost my daughter and son-in-law-to-be.

"I miss them terribly. They were desperately loved. Whatever time he did in prison, if it was only a year, it would not bring them back, give my grandchildren their mum back."

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