Banbridge man charged with drink-drive death of friend

Almost two years to the day since the accident which claimed the life of Craig Moates, 21-year-old Curtis Drake stood in the dock of the town’s magistrates’ court.

Drake, from Brookfield Road in the town, is accused of causing the death of Mr Moates by driving carelessly and whilst unfit on the old Manse Road in Banbridge on September 9 2014.

He is further accused of causing death while driving with excess alcohol and causing death while driving without insurance on the same date.

Mr Moates, who was in his 20s, died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the one-vehicle, 2am collision.

Drake was released on £750 bail and ordered to appear at Newry Crown Court on October 13 for his arraignment.