The case of a former UKIP Parliamentary candidate who is accused of the manslaughter of a ground worker is to be heard in front of a High Court judge.

Keith Crawford, aged 73, is due to stand trial at Exeter Crown Court next month accused of causing the death of Peter Clements, who died while working on his land near Ide, Exeter, more than three years ago.

The trial date has been set for March 26 in front of Judge Mr Justice Dingemans.

Property manager and owner Crawford, pictured, of Pocombe Bridge Exeter, denies manslaughter and a second charge under the Health and Safety Act of failing to ensure the safety of an employee.

Mr Clements died when a trench he was digging collapsed on him on January 21, 2015.

Former soldier Crawford stood as the UKIP candidate in Exeter in the 2010 and 2015 general elections, losing to Labour’s Ben Bradshaw on both occasions.

In 2010 he came fourth with 1,970 votes and in 2015 he came third with 5,075.