A MOTORIST yesterday admitted causing the death of a popular retired butcher from Cwmbran.

Dave Fields was critically injured in the collision near a car wash in Llantarnam Road, Cwmbran, on June 22.

The former butcher from Cwmbran died at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff five days later. He was 75.

Yesterday, Sokol Muja, 27, pleaded guilty to causing his death by careless driving, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, at Cardiff Crown Court.

Muja, of Plas Ebbw, Cwmbran, was bailed on condition he reports to a police station every day and does not apply for travel documents.

Mr Fields’ relatives paid tribute to the great grandfather this summer, describing him as a “real family man” who “touched many hearts” and would be “dearly missed”.

They said his children idolised him and he was happiest when surrounded by his family.

In a statement his family said Mr Fields was known by many as a “happy, caring and fun-loving gentleman.”

He worked as a butcher and a machine driver on building sites and was a well known figure in Cwmbran, being stopped for a chat wherever he went.

He would often be seen at Asda in Cwmbran early in the morning and always had a big smile on his face, his family said.

He married his wife Marilyn in 1960, with whom they had five children.

In his retirement he enjoyed watching horse racing, a passion he shared with his family.

One of his sons, Nicholas, took up boxing and went on to win the School Boy Junior and senior Welsh titles.

Meanwhile, Mr Fields taught his youngest son Lyndon how to play pool and he went on to play for the Welsh squad.

Judge Eleri Rees handed Muja an interim driving ban and adjourned the hearing to December 19 for sentencing.