Image copyright JusticeforLB Image caption Connor Sparrowhawk had epilepsy and died at a Southern Health facility

An NHS trust has admitted guilt over the death of a teenaged patient who drowned in the bath while in its care.

Southern Health Trust pleaded guilty at Banbury Magistrates' Court earlier to breaching health and safety law in the case of Connor Sparrowhawk, 18, who died at Slade House in Oxford in 2013.

His death led to the discovery the trust only properly investigated 272 unexplained deaths of 722 in its care.

Sentencing is due to take place on 12 October at Oxford Crown Court.

The trust was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 following its investigation into the death of apatient under its care.

'Devastating impact'

Paul Spencer, defending the trust, said Mr Sparrowhawk's death was "deeply tragic" and should "never have happened".

District Judge Tim Pattinson said the court expressed its "deepest sympathy" over the teenager's death.

In a statement following the hearing, attended by Mr Sparrowhawk's mother Sara Ryan and other members of his family, Julie Dawes, the trust's interim chief executive, described his death as "entirely preventable".

She said: "Connor's loss continues to have a devastating impact on his family and we are truly sorry that we didn't keep him safe."

She continued: "There have been times when our actions unintentionally added to the distress of Connor's family."

Ms Dawes said his death had led to "significant changes and improvements" at the trust and added she hoped "all families and service users