A SOUTHAMPTON man has pleaded guilty to a charge following the death of a handyman in Winchester.

Piotr Kowalczyk, 62, of Howard Road, Shirley, admitted the charge that followed the death of David Wood at a house in Rowlings Road, Weeke, in March 2013.

Mr Wood, 64, fell from a loft ladder that had not been properly put together by Kowalczyk several months earlier.

Mr Wood, of Peverells Wood Avenue, Chandler's Ford, hit his head on the floor and died of a fractured skull.

Kowalczyk admitted to a charge under the health and safety at work act when he appeared at Winchester Crown Court.

Another defendant, Fabshow UK Ltd denied the same allegation.

That charge was dropped and no evidence would be offered against Fabshow UK, said Anna Vigars, prosecuting.

Kowlaczyk was released on bail to return to Winchester Crown Court on December 7.

Members of Mr Wood's family were in the public gallery at the court.

His daughter Debbie, of Ivy Dene, Sholing, Southampton, said: "After the hearing Mr Kowalcyzk and his daughter shook our hands and apologised for our loss. We are happy with the result (of the case)."

Editor’s note: FabShow  UK Ltd has asked us to point out that the work of installing the ladder was referred to Mr Kowalczyk by FabShow, but he was an independent contractor and not an employee of FabShow.