A Shanklin man has appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court for trial this week, accused of an historic rape of a boy when he himself was a child.

Joe Collins, of Atherley Road, Shanklin, appeared before Judge Recorder Daniel Sawyer for the start of his trial on Monday.

On March 15, the 36-year-old denied raping a male under the age of 16, at Wootton Bridge, between September 30, 1998, and April 20, 2003.

Mr Collins would have been aged between 12 and 17 at the time of the alleged offence.

Tim Devlin is the trial’s prosecutor, while David Richards is defending Mr Collins.

Several individuals will be called to provide evidence, and the trial had been expected to deliver a verdict either Thursday (September 7) or Friday (September 8).

However Mr Richards was unwell today (Tuesday), so the trial was suspended for a day. It is due to be back in court for an update tomorrow (Wednesday).

Mr Collins has been granted unconditional bail during the duration of the trial.