A housing company pleaded guilty today to breaching health and safety rules following the death of a worker.

Michael Whateley, of Eastfield Road, Northampton, was crushed to death on a building site in Broughton Road, Banbury in January 2008.

His car was hit by the boom of a JCB telescopic handler - similar to a forklift. Two others were seriously injured.

At Oxford Crown Court today, Judge Anthony King heard how proper checks had not been carried out on the vehicle.

Linden Limited, which employs more than 5,000 people, pleaded guilty to not ensuring the JCB was in a safe condition.

It was fined £7,500 and ordered to pay costs of £25,000.

The driver of the handler, Keith Payne, 59, from Gillett Road, Banbury, was also found guilty of breaching health and safety rules and fined £7,000.