Lawyers for former AFL player Shannon Cox review reports after charges upgraded to manslaughter

A former AFL player facing two manslaughter charges over a crash that killed two elderly women has had a fresh delay in his case.

A former AFL player facing two manslaughter charges over a crash that killed two elderly women in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt will wait until next year for his case to progress.

Shannon John Cox, 38, was not required to appear in the Stirling Gardens Magistrate Court but was represented by his lawyer Paul Holmes on Wednesday.

Mr Holmes asked for the matter to be adjourned until next year so he could discuss reports submitted by the state with his client after the charges were upgraded to manslaughter earlier this year.

Mr Holmes told the court they might seek reports from other experts to support their defence.

Police allege Shannon Cox was behind the wheel of a Toyota Prado travelling south when it collided with a Suzuki Ignis hatchback travelling north. Picture: 7News

Mr Cox was initially charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death over the crash that occurred on the Brand Highway in Cooljarlo, 170km north of Perth, about 9am on June 9.

Those charges were upgraded to manslaughter when he faced the Geraldton Magistrates Court in July.

Police allege Mr Cox was behind the wheel of a Toyota Prado travelling south when it collided with a Suzuki Ignis hatchback travelling north.

A white Volvo road train towing two trailers travelling northbound was also involved in the crash, near the intersection of Waddi Rd.

Coral Seinor and Thelma Clausen were killed in the crash. Picture: 9News

Two women travelling in the hatchback, Thelma Clausen, 82, and her passenger Coral Seinor, 83, died at the scene.

A 12-year-old girl was also injured during the incident.

Mr Cox and the 31-year-old male driver of the Volvo truck were not injured in the crash.

Magistrate Jan Whitbread adjourned the matter until February 19 next year.

Originally published as Lawyers for former AFL player Shannon Cox review reports after charges upgraded to manslaughter