Malicious Obstruction on York Train

A 19 year old Middlesbrough man received a conditional discharge for 12 months and was ordered to pay £85 costs after pleading guilty to malicious obstruction after pulling the emergency cord on a train leaving York.

Liam Robert Kay, of Crinklewood, appeared at York Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 1st August, for sentencing having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

The court heard that on Saturday, 4th February 2012, Kay had been travelling on the 18.26 York to Middlesbrough First TransPennine Express service. As the train pulled out of York station Kay pulled the emergency cord.

PC Nick Storey, who investigated for British Transport Police, said:

“Kay admitted the offence and claimed he had wanted to stop the train to allow his brother to board.

“Due to his actions the train, and its passengers were delayed for 47 minutes and the costs incurred by the rail company was over £3,000.

“Clearly disregarding the safety of others Kay pulled the emergency cord, which brought the train to a standstill outside a busy station. The emergency cord is for just that, emergencies, it is not to be used to stop the train to allow someone to board. Kay’s actions caused unnecessary delays to hundreds of passengers on the service.”

Billy Vickers, Police Liasion Officer:

"Trains are fitted with emergency stop equipment to ensure the safety and security of all passengers. To misuse this equipment is highly irresponsible and inconsiderate to both customers and staff. We are pleased therefore that the British Transport Police have been able to pursue a successful prosecution against Mr Kay and we hope that others will heed the consequences of his actions and the courts response.

"First TransPennine Express will always treat safety as our number one priority and will pursue those whose behaviour and actions jeopardises such."