A PILOT has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of a former Royal Marine who died in a biplane crash in East Dorset.

Scott Hoyle, of Charborough Road, Broadstone, has denied responsibility for the death of Orlando Rogers, 26, who was the passenger of a vintage de Havilland Tiger Moth that crashed in Witchampton on May 15 2011.

He appeared at Winchester Crown Court this morning to enter the plea, and a trial is expected to begin in March next year.

The 47-year-old was at the controls of the plane when it crashed in a field.

He was cut free from the wreckage and taken to hospital.

Mr Rogers, a veteran of tours in Afghanistan and Northern Ireland, died of his injuries.