A heavy goods driver who knocked down a work colleague with a digger and fatally injured him in the Black Country has admitted driving irresponsibly.

Tony Pagett, aged 62, died after he was crushed by a digger driven by Michael Lilley at the waste depot in Lister Road, Dudley. Lilley, of Foster Crescent, Kinver, yesterday pleaded guilty to two charges.

He admitted failing to take responsible care whilst driving. The 61-year-old was found to have driven above the speed limit and was travelling down the wrong way of a one way system at the depot when the tragedy happened in October 2006.

He was described as a “good friend” of Mr Pagett during the short hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Lilley was released on unconditional bail and will be sentenced on January 8.

Maintenance manager Mr Pagett, of Selborne Road, Dudley was married to Jennifer. He was a crown bowls champion and played six nights a week at Cradley Liberal Club and The Royal Oak in Quinton.

In the days following the accident, tributes to the much-loved sportsman flooded in from the region’s bowling fraternity. He was described as a “true gent” by his fellow bowls players.

Mr Pagett had racked up scores of trophies while turning out for a number of teams during his 53 years playing the game, including Staffordshire County as well as all-conquering sides at Dudley Dell and M&B.

An open bowls competition, which Mr Pagett had helped to organise shortly before his death, was re-named in his honour.

Dudley Council spokesman Phil Parker confirmed Lilley had retired after the accident.

A spokesman for The Health and Safety Executive said he would not be able to comment until after the sentencing next year.