Media centre

Monday 14 Aug 2006

BACK ON THE RIGHT TRACK

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Young offenders, who were found guilty of vandalising the railway in Yorkshire, have spent the last three weekends completing reparation work on the rail infrastructure. The two boys – who can’t be named – were successfully prosecuted and instructed to complete nine hours reparation work.  Wakefield District Youth Offending Team, working in partnership with Network Rail,  arranged for the pair to complete this work on three successive Sundays.  This is the first time that Network Rail has been able to facilitate young people completing their reparation work on the rail infrastructure.  It was only possible because train services in the area were stopped to allow track renewal work. Dyan Crowther, route director for Network Rail, said: “These young people risked disfigurement and death by trespassing onto the railway.  Their actions also caused disruption to passengers while repairs were carried out.  I am pleased that we have been able to bring them back onto the railway in a safe and controlled way to show them just how dangerous their actions were. “Network Rail is working closely with the British Transport Police and other agencies to secure the prosecution of those who risk the lives of themselves and others by misusing the railway.” Martin Morrey from the Youth Offending Team said: “We continually strive to address reparation by young people who have fallen foul of the law directly to the victims.  I am sure that the young people who have attended this scheme will have gained some insight into how difficult it is to maintain the railways while at the same time repairing some of the harm that they caused.” Sgt Robin Edwards from British Transport Police added: “We have reviewed the charges for theft, which now attract stronger penalties including imprisonment. Trespassing on the line can also result in charges of endangering safety and obstructing the railways which can carry a sentence of life imprisonment. We will arrest and charge anyone who is involved in stealing, handling or selling railway equipment and enforce these strong penalties. The message is clear, stay away from the railway; you are not only risking your lives and others but could also face imprisonment.”