A MAN charged with causing the deaths of two people in a horror crash last year is set to appear in court.

Richard Husband, 26, of New Forest Drive, in Brockenhurst, is accused of causing death by careless driving following the smash on the A337 on April 26 last year.

Paramedic Gillian Randall, 42, and 88-year-old patient Francis Ironside died at the scene.

Originally, Husband appeared before Southampton Magistrates’ Court on November 15 last year.

However, it has now been confirmed that a plea and case management hearing will take place at Bournemouth Crown Court on March 3.

If he pleads not guilty to the charges, a trial date has been set for June 23.

Ambulance driver Mrs Randall and Mr Ironside, of Harts Way, Lymington, were killed when the ambulance they were travelling in left the road and hit a tree.

It is thought the patient had suffered a fall at home and was on his way to hospital when the tragedy took place.

A 32-year-old male paramedic – Rich Riley – and Mr Ironside’s 64-year-old son – Hordle Parish Council chairman David Ironside – were both travelling in the back of the ambulance. They sustained serious injuries.

Husband, who was driving a blue Seat Alhambra, was arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of causing death by driving without due care and attention and bailed until later that year.

He was charged on October 24.