A LORRY driver has admitted causing the death of motorcyclist Michael Stockton by careless driving.

Andrew Patton, aged 32, of Holyoake Road, Worsley, wept in the dock at Bolton Crown Court during the hearing as the charge was read out.

Grandfather Mr Stockton, aged 59, was riding a Honda motorcycle in Bradford Street, Bolton, on the morning of September 5 last year when he was hit by an HGV tipper truck driven by Patton.

The accident, at the top of the slip road leading off St Peter’s Way left the motorcyclist pinned under the lorry and he was pronounced dead after being rushed to Salford Royal Infirmary.

Mr Stockton was on his way to work as a joiner at the time of the accident.

His family described him as a loving husband, father and grandfather and referred to his lifelong passion for breeding and racing pigeons.

In court Judge Elliot Knopf adjourned sentencing until February 14 to allow reports to be prepared and made an interim order banning Patton from driving.

He told Patton: “You have to understand, so far as sentence is concerned, all options will be kept open.”

Patton was allowed unconditional bail.