Barrie Wood (51) appeared before Melton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday for his involvement in a collision on the B676 near Garthorpe.

He lost control of his motorbike on a corner, bounced off the kerb, knocking friend and colleague Gary Powell (38) into the path of a Land Rover.

An inquest into Mr Powell's death recorded an accidental verdict but Wood, from Spalding, was charged with careless driving without due care and attention.

Tanyka Lewis, prosecuting, asked the court to adjourn sentencing so Mr Powell's family could be present.

But Philip Worrall representing Wood said: "The death of a close relative always has an impact but clearly this is an accident. Unfortunately someone died in this accident but it was an accident."

He added: "We would like to go on today so that all parties can go forward. Clearly Mrs Powell wants closure but I think we can go ahead with closure for everyone here today."

Chairman of the Magistrates Michael Parks praised Wood for entering an early guilty plea but said he felt there was a need to include Mrs Powell in the proceedings and adjourned sentencing to Tuesday, June 3 at 10am.

Wood was given unconditional bail.