Management company Leisure Connection has admitted a health and safety breach over the death of a seven-year-old girl at Blackwater Leisure Centre in Maldon, Essex.

Michelle Gellard was pulled unconscious from the centre's swimming pool on 14 June 2008. Staff were unable to resuscitate her and she was later pronounced dead at Colchester General Hospital.

Leisure Connection, which runs the centre on behalf of the local authority, admitted failing to ensure the safety of a member of the public at a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court. The company is to be sentenced in March 2013.

In a short statement, a spokesperson for Leisure Connection said: "Leisure Connection has indicated to the court its intention in relation to plea and continues to work closely with those concerned in the proceedings arising from the HSE investigations into the death of Michelle Gellard in 2008.

"In recognition of the ongoing proceedings the Company has no further comment to add at this stage."