Man admits manslaughter after Batley chimney collapse death

Nigel Parker, 56, admitted the unlawful killing of father-of-one Daniel Hough during a hearing at Leeds Crown Court today.

Builder Mr Hough, 23, was working at a semi-detached house in Thorncliffe Estate, Batley, when a chimney collapsed in July last year.

Parker had already pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the health and safety of his employees from risk of injury during the removal of a chimney.

He had also admitted failing to ensure that persons not in his employment were not exposed to risks to their health and safety.

Lisa Roberts, mitigating, told the court that the “sensitive case” involved a lot of complex issues.

She said that Parker, of Kirkgate, Sherburn-in-Elmet, Leeds, had suffered numerous health problems, and had previously been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Court proceedings had been delayed due to Parker being unable to attend court.

Sentencing was adjourned today to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report, including a psychiatric report.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said all sentencing options remained open to him.

Parker will be sentenced on a date to be fixed in January.

He was granted unconditional bail.