A 33 YEAR old man has appeared in court in connection with the deaths of a London couple killed in a collision at Sandbanks.

Jonathan Edward Arthur Knowles, from Poole, faces two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to supply a breath specimen and causing grievous bodily harm.

Couple Alan and Rochelle Bernard died after they were involved in the collision with the £60,000 silver Mercedes on Banks Road, close to the junction with Salter Road, at around 10.30pm on September 11 last year.

An inquest concluded that the couple died as a result of multiple injuries sustained in the collision.

Mr and Mrs Bernard, from the Moor Park area of Middlesex, were parents of three children – Jamie, Robert and Natasha aged 17 to 27-years-old – and were members of the Northwood United Synagogue.

Mr Bernard was managing director of home extension firm Plus Rooms, which had featured on TV renovation show Room For Improvement.

Knowles, making his first appearance at Bournemouth Magistrates Court, spoke only to confirm his details.

He was bailed to next appear for a preliminary hearing at 10am at Bournemouth Crown Court on April 6.