A MAN has appeared in court accused of causing the deaths of an elderly couple the day after their diamond wedding anniversary.

Great-grandparents Dennis Green, 81, and Doreen Green 80, from Strensall, York, died near Gate Helmsley last April when their Citroen Saxo collided with a Land Rover driven by Robert William Verity.

The Greens had lived in Strensall for more than 50 years, and they were well known and respected in the village. They were due to attend an anniversary party that weekend.

They had celebrated 60 years of marriage the day before the tragic accident, and a family party that had been planned for the weekend.

The couple were travelling along Northgate Lane when tragedy struck.

Verity, 25, of Middlecroft Drive, Strensall, York, appeared before Scarborough magistrates yesterday. He faces one charge of causing the deaths of Mr and Mrs Green by careless driving.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and committed Verity for trial at York Crown Court on February 14. He was granted unconditional bail until the plea and directions hearing.

There was no indication of plea and Catherine Turnbull, prosecuting, did not object to bail. None of the Green family attended yesterday’s two-minute hearing.

According to the charge, the offence carries a maximum penalty on conviction of 12 months’ jail.