A loft conversion firm is facing a hefty fine after admitting breaching health and safety regulations after a 16-year-old boy fell to his death.

Alfie Perrin slipped from scaffolding in Camden Road, Wanstead, where his employer Roof Top Rooms Ltd was completing an extension in November 2012.

Alfie was treated at the scene, but later died from a catastrophic head injury at Wanstead Hospital.

Two directors of the north London company, Colin Allison, 39, and Gary Smith, admitted two counts of breaching health and safety regulations as the trial started today at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Sarah Hipperston, owner of the property, said at the time Alfie had been throwing bags of waste into a skip in the road.

Site supervisor Andrew Voy, 35, is accused of manslaughter for allegedly failing to ensure there were no gaps in the safety railings.

Addressing the jury sworn to try the case Judge Martyn Zeidman QC said: "Those of you who are observant will have noticed that whereas before there were three defendants in the dock, there is now only one.

"That is because, apart from this defendant, there were also a prosecution brought against the company in this case - and the people in the dock were the directors.

"Yesterday they had further thoughts, and although they had on a previous occasion pleaded not guilty, yesterday they decided to plead guilty.

"That is one of the reasons why you don't have the directors here.

"I hate being mysterious about it but there is no reason you should not know that."

Judge Zeidman said the prosecution now needs time to 'rejig' its case before opening the facts alleged against Voy on Friday.

He continued: "Of course, the company I will sentence on another occasion.

"One of the big issues in this case now is whether Mr Voy acted grossly negligently, causing the death of this young person."

Several members of the victim's family were seated in the public gallery as well as officers from the Health and Safety Executive. 

Following his death, Alfie's family started a campaign to raise funds for the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) that cared for him after the accident.

They wrote: “In thanks to the HEMS team who attended to Alfie, we would like Alfie's passing to help with the continuation of this amazing service with donations big or small.

“It is a small thank you on behalf of Alfie's family and friends and will be a lasting legacy in Alfie's memory.”

Voy, of Memorial Avenue, West Ham, denies manslaughter.

Roof Top Rooms, of Baker Street, Enfield, admitted two counts of breaching a health and safety regulation.

Sentencing will take place on Friday at Snaresbrook Crown Court.