Mother-of-four Jackie Timmins, 47, and her partner Andrew Hardie, 48, from Yeovil, died instantly when the lorry mounted a kerb and ploughed into them in Madison Square Garden in February.

Driver Auvryn Scarlett, 52, appeared in Manhattan Supreme Court, New York, yesterday where he was charged with two counts of murder in the second degree and one count of assault in the first degree, the local District Attorney's Office said.

Scarlett, who suffers from epilepsy, lost control of the truck after having a seizure. It is alleged he had not been taking his medication.

He was initially charged with second degree manslaughter but the murder charge was brought in to reflect new allegations that he had lied about having epilepsy in order to get a commercial driving licence.

Manhattan prosecutor Christopher Ryan told the court that for 10 years he had not told authorities that he had the condition, which would have prevented him from holding a driving licence.

Scarlett, a native of Jamaica who is now a US citizen, faces 15 years to life if he is found guilty.

The judge increased his bail from $50,000 (£27,000) bond to $250,000 (£137,000) and he was led out of court in handcuffs.

His next court appearance is scheduled for October 8.

The couple were hit by the truck at around 10.30pm on February 12 as they walked from a restaurant to the Comfort Inn where they had been staying for a four-night Valentine's treat.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the truck swerve out of control, crashing into street signs and lampposts before careering into the couple. Another pedestrian was also hit but survived after emergency surgery.

Ms Timmins had four children, aged between 13 and 26, with her former husband, Robin Timmins, 48, who also lives in Yeovil.

Mr Timmins said: "I'm pleased that Scarlett has now been charged with murder but I've still got four children who are without their mother and they have not really had time to grieve yet."

Speaking from his Plymouth home yesterday, Mr Hardie's father, Desmond, said he did not want to comment on the new charges.