Sheffield Crown Court date set for men charged over crash death of "fantastic young man" Mackenzie Ball
The case of four men charged with the manslaughter of a “fantastic young man” killed in a horror crash has now been sent to Sheffield Crown Court.
Mackenzie Ball was just 20-years-old when he died following a two-vehicle collision, which occurred shortly after 4pm on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
A police investigation lasting almost two years led to four men being charged with Mackenzie’s manslaughter earlier this month (March 2026).
All four men have appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court in hearings held over the last week, and the case has now been sent to Sheffield Crown Court.
The four men - Owen Cocksedge, Kowen Pitts, Adam Platts and Deacon Blake - are now due to appear at Sheffield Crown Court next month for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
In addition to the charge of Mackenzie’s manslaughter, Mr Cocksedge, aged 19, of HMP Doncaster, and 18-year-old Mr Blake, of Jaunty Avenue, Gleadless Townend, Sheffield, have both been charged with other offences.
Mr Cocksedge has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving a vehicle whilst unlicensed/uninsured, causing death by driving whilst disqualified, two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving a motor vehicle dangerously.
Mr Blake has been charged with a Section 18 GBH.
Mr Platts, 20, of Basegreen Road, Gleadless Townend, Sheffield, Mr Blake and Mr Pitts, 21, of Jaunty Avenue, Gleadless Townend, Sheffield, have all been released on conditional bail until the next court hearing.
Mr Cocksedge has been remanded into custody.
Mackenzie was a passenger at the time of the fatal crash.
Detailing the circumstances of the collision, a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “On Sunday 2 June 2024 shortly after 4pm, we were called to reports of a two-vehicle road traffic collision on Morthen Road at the junction of Moat Lane involving a silver Land Rover Discovery and a silver Subaru Forester.
“Mackenzie, who was a passenger in the Land Rover, sadly died at the scene.”
His family said in a statement which was shared by South Yorkshire Police: “Our family are absolutely devastated at the loss of our son Mac. He has been taken from us too soon.
“My beautiful baby boy - we will fight to the end to get you justice,” one said.
“You were such an amazing son. Love you always and forever, love, your heartbroken mum,” said another.
Another said: “Mac, u turned into a fantastic young man I’m so proud of you, things will never be the same, will miss u mate.”