A boater charged with causing the death of his passenger on New Year’s Day appeared in Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Mikado Burchall, 31, was charged with the unlawful killing of Adrian Hassell, 24, with an alternative charge of causing his death by reckless and dangerous driving.

Mr Burchall was also charged with operating a boat while impaired.

Mr Burchall was not required to enter a plea as the case must be heard in the Supreme Court.

Senior magistrate Juan Wolffe released Mr Burchall, from Smith’s, on $20,000 bail and adjourned the case for the October arraignments session at Supreme Court.