An excavator operator has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a site worker who was fatally struck by the bucket of an extractor digger at Drax Power Station.

Michael Ernest Roys, 59, appeared at Leeds Crown Court yesterday when he admitted the charge of unlawfully killing Alwyne Parkinson.

Mr Parkinson, who was 59, was struck by a bucket that fell from the semi-automatic quick hitch on the excavator Roys was operating on September 28, 2007. He died from his injuries three days later, on October 1.

An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned on October 2.

Dale Harris, representing Roys, told the court: "The defendant is a man of good character. I would ask for an adjournment for pre-sentence reports and make a request for a psychiatric report."

He said: "I understand the relatives of Mr Parkinson are in court today. Mr Roys offers his sincerest condolences to them."

The case was adjourned until June 27 when Roys, of Doncaster, will be sentenced. He was granted bail. Judge James Stewart QC said: "That doesn't give any indication of what will happen to you."

Mr Parkinson, who lived with his family in Almond Grove, Brigg, Lincolnshire, was working on the site as a contractor for Grimsby-based building outfit Clark Construction.

Details of exactly how the accident happened were not revealed, but an emergency response was implemented immediately and Mr Parkinson was taken to York Hospital by ambulance.

A spokesperson for Drax at the time said: "It is with deep regret that we confirm the death of a contractor involved in an incident at Drax Power Station.

"Site emergency plans were enacted immediately and the injured man was taken to hospital by the emergency services.

"Our thoughts and sympathy are with his family."