A WORKER told an inquest yesterday how part of a digger, which he was not qualified to operate, fell and killed a colleague instantly.

Kevin Bradshaw, 31, of West Auckland, County Durham, died when he was struck on the head by the arm of a bobcat on December 1, 2004.

The accident happened as Mr Bradshaw, a plant operator with Todds Highway Maintenance Limited, Darlington, was working on a re-surfacing project in West Dyke Road, Redcar, east Cleveland.

He died from injuries, including a broken neck.

During the inquest at Teesside Coroners' Court, in Middlesbrough, yesterday, a jury heard Tony Bleasby had tried to move the bobcat so work on re-surfacing the road could continue.

Lorry driver John Applegate said he had seen Mr Bleasby start the machine but said he did not appear to be confident.

He said: "He was pulling numerous levers to get it to move. It moved backwards and at this point a male came over and began talking to Tony - he appeared to be showing him how to operate the machine.

"I noticed the brushes of the machine raised in the air and the male was stood directly underneath it. I heard a commotion and Tony screaming and jumping out shouting 'I have killed him'."

The inquest was told by Craig Bates, site foreman for Tarmac, it had been out of character for Mr Bleasby to drive machinery he was not qualified to use.

A resident saw the incident and photographed it on his digital camera .

Duke Whalley's statement, which was read out in court, said: "I didn't realise how serious the injuries were but I did see an ambulance person standing shaking his head.

He added: "I feel very sorry for taking the photographs and wouldn't have done so if I had known the circumstances."

During police interview Mr Bleasby, of Portsmouth Place, Darlington, said the accident happened when Mr Bradshaw leant into the cab of the machine to try and move its bucket.

He said: "He reached in and I don't know what happened. The arm just came down on his neck.

"It just didn't stop and I just saw his eyes close."

At the end of the police interview Mr Bleasby said: "I wish I could change it back."

The hearing continues.