Andrew Pullan kayak death: Christopher Hackett admits safety breaches

A kayak instructor has admitted breaching health and safety regulations after a pupil capsized and later died.

Andrew Pullan was kayaking at Whorlton Lido near Barnard Castle, County Durham, in October 2013.

The 47-year-old was flown to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where he was later pronounced dead.

Appearing at Durham Crown Court, Christopher Hackett, 27, of Darlington, pleaded guilty to two offences and will be sentenced on 17 February.

Hackett admitted a breach of duty as a self-employed person, exposing another to health and safety risks and failing to make a suitable risk assessment.

Col Pullan, a married father of two, commanded the former 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment between 2006-2008.

He had recently retired.