An aviation historian has been committed to crown court to face charges of plundering the grave of a Second World War pilot.

Andrew Saunders, 46, will face four charges at Lewes Crown Court including removing parts of a Hawker Tempest fighter plane which crashed in remote farmland near Winchelsea, near Rye, in July 1944.

He is further charged with stealing an amulet, bracelet and coins belonging to the 21-year-old pilot, Flying Officer George Kosh, known as Ted.

Saunders, of St Mary's Road, Hastings, is also accused of stealing a cannon, survival pack and air compressor bottle belonging to the Ministry of Defence on September 23, 1995.

He is also accused of stealing a Napier Sabre engine, propeller hub, gunsight and other components of the Hawker Tempest, which crashed as Mr Kosh attempted to shoot down a V1 flying bomb.

Outside Hastings Magistrates' Court, Saunders' solicitor Lee Reeves Perrin handed reporters a statement. It said: "Mr Saunders is a well-known and respected aviation historian and writer and has been involved at the forefront of aviation history and preservation for almost 30 years, including the founding of a leading aviation museum and the placement and dedication of various memorials to wartime airmen."

Charges of criminal deception and forgery against Saunders were dropped.

No plea has been entered and Saunders will appear at Lewes Crown Court on November 9.