A teacher from Burgess Hill who led a school boating trip on which a nine-year-old girl died was sent to a Crown Court for sentencing today.

Paul Dove, 66, of Mill Road, admitted a charge under health and safety legislation.

Elizabeth Bee, a pupil of Boundary Oak School, Fareham, Hampshire, died when a motorboat carrying nine children from the school capsized in Portsmouth Harbour in September 1999.

Representatives of the school also pleaded guilty to one charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 relating to the safety of pupils, but denied a second charge.

Raymond Wildsmith, prosecuting, told Portsmouth magistrates today that Dove decided to take the boat out after a planned sailing trip had to be cancelled because of poor weather.

He went alone with the nine children, ignoring Royal Yachting Association advice that one adult should supervise a maximum of six children.

He also did not take a radio for use in emergency, the court heard.

The boat started taking water, and finally capsized.

Dove did not carry out a head-count. When it was realised that Elizabeth Bee was missing she was found unconscious underneath the boat. She subsequently died.

Iain Mack, defending Dove, said: "He has been broken by the consequences of this event right at the end of his long teaching career."

The magistrates sent Dove to Crown Court for sentencing.

The court will have to hold a hearing to decide on the facts as Dove disputes some of the prosecution's allegations, although he admits the charge.

The case against the school was sent to Crown Court for a trial on a charge that it failed to ensure Dove's health and safety, and for sentencing on the charge of failing to ensure the children's health and safety.