The driver of a ute that smashed into a tree and killed five teenagers south of Sydney is facing more serious charges over their deaths.
Tyrell Edwards did not appear in person when his case was heard in Picton Local Court this morning where his charges were upgraded.
The 19-year-old was charged with five counts of aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death, with prosecutors alleging he was speeding at more than 45 kilometres per hour over the limit.
The charges have been upgraded from dangerous driving occasioning death, which means he faces up to 14 years in jail if found guilty.
The P-plater is accused of losing control of his Nissan Navara ute and slamming into a tree in Buxton, on East Parade near Picton, just before 8pm on September 6 last year.
Three girls and two boys, aged between 14 and 16, died in the crash, while Mr Edwards suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Two of the victims were Picton High School students Lily Van de Putte and Antonio Desisto.
ABC News has received permission from their parents to identify them but the other victims cannot be named for legal reasons.
Mr Edwards remains on strict conditional bail and will be back in court in April.
He may only leave the family home in the company of his mother for four reasons, including to report or to seek medical attention.
He must not enter the driver's seat of a vehicle, consume alcohol or illegal drugs, apply for a passport or contact any prosecution witnesses.
The families of the victims are holding a memorial event next weekend in Picton, called The Festival of Summer.
The event will be held at The George Inn on Saturday, February 18, featuring live music and speeches from family and friends.
