Larry Harrison was at the controls of the Swansea-to-Paddington express when it collided with an empty freight train in west London 18 months ago. The judge at the Old Bailey adjourned the case until later this year.

The crash, which happened on 17 September 1997, also left 147 people injured.

Mr Harrison also faces other charges brought by the Health and Safety Executive. A separate hearing on Tuesday at Ealing Magsistrates Court was adjourned until 23 February.

The Health and Safety Executive has also submitted seven corporate manslaughter charges against Great Western Trains under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act.

The prosecution alleges that Great Western failed to conduct an undertaking to provide transport by rail to members of the public in such a way as to ensure that the public were not exposed to risks to their health and safety.