Man to face trial over sailor's path death

A man accused of killing a sailor when he allegedly drove a ute onto a footpath in Cairns will face trial next month.

Seaman Colin Hughes, a navy band member and father of two from NSW, died instantly when he was hit as he walked along a street in central Cairns on the morning of September 22 last year.

Treziah Emmison George, 24, was charged with manslaughter in April.

He also faces a number of other charges including stealing a motor vehicle and driving while under the influence of liquor or a drug.

His case was briefly mentioned in the Cairns Supreme Court on Monday and will again be mentioned in court next Tuesday.

Treziah, who has been in custody since his arrest, will face trial some time next month, although a date is yet to be set.