Showing Off

[locojoe]

FROM THE BTPOLICE SITE.

07/12/2007 13:40
CHORLEY MAN PLEADS GUILTY AFTER NEAR MISS IS CAPTURED ON CCTV

A 21 year old man from Chorley has today (7 December) pleaded guilty to obstruction without intent after he narrowly avoided a train at Rylands Crossing, on 14 July, 2007.

Andrew Ogden, 21, from Great Meadow, Astley Village, Chorley, will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on 7 January 2008.

He pleaded guilty to obstruction without intent following the incident on 14 July, 2007 which left the driver of the train extremely shocked. He was later charged by BTP on Friday 09 November.

Superintendent Peter Holden of British Transport Police said. “This was a shocking case of somebody blatantly showing off to their friends which could so easily have ended in tragedy. He was inches away from being struck by a train travelling at 50mph.

“This sort of incident is plain stupidity and people need to realise that it is viewed by BTP extremely seriously. The driver genuinely thought he had struck the man and was left extremely traumatized.

“I hope that people look at this case and understand that trespassing on the railway is not a game and if you are involved in incidents such as this you will be dealt with by the courts.”

The circumstances were that at approximately 21.55hrs on 14 July the Northern Rail 20.48 Manchester Airport to Blackpool service was travelling at approximately 50mph as it approached Rylands level crossing in Chorley.

As the train approached four males were walking across the level crossing when Ogden stood with his arms raised in front of the train. He then jumped out of the way at the last second as the train sped past.

The driver of the train was left extremely shaken as a result of the incident and had to be relieved of his duties that evening. He was later signed off work for a week.

The incident was captured on CCTV cameras at the level crossing.

Ogden was released on unconditional bail pending sentencing on 7 January