A Shanklin man who was due to stand trial this week accused of historic child rape has seen his case delayed.
Joe Collins, 36, of Avenue Road appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court before Judge Recorder Daniel Sawyer on Monday as his trial got underway.
On Tuesday, however, the defence barrister was unable to attend due to illness and on Wednesday (6th September) the trial was relisted until later this year.
It is alleged that Collins raped a male under the age of 16 in the Wootton Bridge area between 30th September 1998 and 20th April 2003. Collins – who would’ve been aged between 12 and 17 at the time – has denied committing these offences.
Granted unconditional bail, Collins will return to the Isle of Wight Crown Court where his trial will begin once again on 13th November.
