The case against a man accused of plundering the site of a WWII plane crash on farmland in East Sussex has been delayed.

Andrew Saunders, 46, of Hastings, East Sussex, faces eight charges, including tampering with the human remains of a pilot, an offence under the Protection of Military Remains Act.

Flying Officer George Edward Kosh was 21 when his Tempest fighter crashed near Winchelsea in July 1944 as he tried to shoot down a V1 flying bomb.

Mr Saunders was due to appear at at Hastings magistrates' court but the hearing was deferred until 25 September when he is expected to enter a plea.

The Ministry of Defence Police said the delay was the result of further inquiries.

Personal possessions

The Tempest aircraft was dug up last month by the MoD after allegations that the plane had been stripped of its engine, instruments and cannon.

It is alleged that parts of the pilot's body were moved but left at the scene.

Personal belongings including a bracelet and coins are said to have been taken from FO Kosh in 1996.

An MoD spokesman said at the time: "The excavation is being carried out to find out exactly what has been taken and to recover whatever human remains are left so that Mr Kosh can be given a final and proper burial.

"Many of these wartime wrecks have become buried and we would hope people treat these finds with the respect they are due."