A VOLUNTEER coastguard accused of causing 'life hindering' injuries to a man in a head-on collision on The Downs during an emergency call out, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday.

Richard Frank Murray, of Heathfield Road, Bembridge, declined to enter a plea to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, to Christopher Slade, near the Hare and Hounds public house, Downend, at around 2pm on August 30 last year.

The 63-year-old was bailed to reappear for a plea and trial management hearing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on May 10.