A GOLF company director has admitted manslaughter over the death of a ball collector who drowned in a freezing course lake

Dale Pike, 25, admitted manslaughter by gross negligence after Gareth Pugh, 29, died in the lake at Peterstone Lakes Golf Club at Wentloog, in February last year.

Scuba diver Mr Pugh, of Glynneath, was retrieving golf balls at the club when he fell into the freezing waters.

His body was later recovered by a police diving team using underwater cameras.

Players and staff had raised the alarm when father-of-one Mr Pugh fell into the water.

After being pulled out he was taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, where he was pronounced dead.

The exclusive golf club was closed to all members for two days following the tragedy.

Pike was due to stand trial along with his business partner father Jonathan.

But he changed his plea to admit manslaughter.

The same charge was dropped against father, aged 47.

Prosecuting, Phillip Evans QC, said: "Having received notification of Dale Pike's guilty plea, we offer no further evidence against Jonathan Pike.

"He was not present at the scene on the day when the events took place."

The court heard the pair run a company selling second-hand golf balls to players.

Pike, of Chain Walk, Glynneath, near Swansea, will be sentenced on July 3.