James Diggle is due to appear in court after four men died in a crash in Huyton. The 27-year-old, of Alundale Road in West Derby, has been charged with four counts of aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving.
Crash details and charges
Jack Diggle, 23, Ben Dooley, also 23, Andrew Roberts, 24, and Craig Shackleton-Brady, 26, were killed when the car they were travelling in came off East Prescot Road, near the junction of Liverpool Road in Huyton, and collided with a lamppost. The crash, involving a black Cupra Formentor, occurred in the early hours of July 24 this year.
James Diggle is scheduled to appear before Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Monday, with the case listed before Judge Dennis Watson KC in courtroom 51 from 10am. He survived the crash and was charged following his release from hospital.
Inquests and tributes
Inquests into the four men's deaths were opened at Bootle Town Hall last month, with senior coroner's officer Liam Moss having told the court they died from "multiple injuries". Anita Bhardwaj, senior coroner for Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens, adjourned the inquests pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.
Jack Diggle's mum, from West Derby, said his death had "left a hole" in the lives of his loved ones, with the family adding in a statement: "We will carry him with us every day and miss him for the rest of our lives."
Sports psychology student Mr Dooley, from Stockbridge Village, was described by his mum as the "kindest person with a heart of gold". His sister remembered him as "the one who always gave me advice and looked out for me" and added: "My heart is broken."
Mr Roberts, from Dovecot, was said to be his mum's "beautiful, blue-eyed boy", with his dad having added: "You were the world to me and the best son anyone could ask for. I can't imagine life without you."
Mr Shackleton-Brady's sister Kelsey said her younger brother, a warehouse operator from Dovecot, was "one of the kindest and gentlest people you could ever meet". His girlfriend and the mum of his children, Ellie Jones, added: "He was my life, my rock. I don't know life without him."
