A FORMER soldier has denied causing the deaths by dangerous driving of a dad and his two children after they were knocked down and killed during a Father’s Day walk.

David Logan, 37, wept in the dock as three counts of causing death by dangerous driving and a charge of destroying property, a Yorkshire Terrier who also died, were read out in court.

Joshua Flynn, 37, and his children Coby-Jay, 15, and Skylar, 12, were walking their family dog Troy when they were struck by a Peugeot 206 in Abbey Road, Dalton on June 21.

All, including the dog, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Wearing a navy polo top, Logan spoke only to confirm his identity and enter pleas of not guilty to all four charges during the half hour hearing at Preston Crown Court.

He will stand trial on April 26 next year.

In the days following the collision, family members said their world had been turned upside down after hearing the devastating news.

They said: “No words can describe how devastated we are feeling. We are utterly heartbroken and upset by the loss of Joshua, Coby-Jay and Skylar.

“We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of support, the cards and donations received.

“Joshua was a family man and a good guy. He would do absolutely anything for anyone and was a genuine, lovely man.

“He was a loving husband and doting dad. Joshua was fitness mad and loved going to the gym and exercising.

“Coby-Jay was a typical teenager, obsessed with computers and computer games in particular his Nintendo.

“He was a lovely young man, kind, happy and upbeat.

“Skylar like any young girl at the moment was Tik Tok mad.

"Like her brother, she enjoyed playing on computer games in particular Roblox - exchanging pets.

“She was always so happy with a lovely smile on her face.”

Residents in Dalton were left in shock following the incident, with many leaving floral tributes to the family at the roadside.