06.12.07
Two sentenced to over 13 years' imprisonment for injuring train driver
A Kidderminster duo was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court today after previously pleading guilty to two charges of damaging property and being reckless as to whether another life was endangered.
Kevin Clee (19) received six years’ imprisonment, and a 17 year old from Kidderminster received seven and a half years’ imprisonment, after seriously injuring a train driver when masonry was thrown from a bridge at a train in Kidderminster last year.
On Sunday, 17 December 2006 about 10.19pm, the defendants threw a 45lb piece of masonry into the path of a passenger train.
The masonry bounced off the roof of the train and into the path of the freight train being driven Joseph Paxton (57) from Birmingham.
The masonry smashed through the window, hitting Mr Paxton in the face. The train originated from Llanwern in South Wales and was nearing the end of its journey to Brierley Hill.
The incident occurred while the train was in the Kidderminster area. The train driver was left unconscious with serious injuries.
Mr Paxton suffered serious facial injuries and although he has briefly returned to work he continues to suffer excruciating pain, affecting his sleep, personal and work life.
Mr Paxton still requires strong medication to combat this pain and his medication currently prohibits him from driving trains. He has driven trains for the last 35 years and as a result of this incident, his ability to continue in the job he loves remains in doubt.
In his statement, Mr Paxton expressed his thanks to the investigation team at British Transport Police (BTP) for their diligent enquiries, which led to the identification and successful prosecution of the defendants in this case.
“I would also like to express my thanks and gratitude to the media for publishing the appeals on behalf of BTP and appealing for information,” he said.
“I bear no malice to the young men responsible and hope they use their sentence to reflect upon the consequences of their actions last Christmas with positive effect.
“I appreciate the people who came forward with information and cooperated with the police, in what I recognise must have been difficult circumstances.
“In addition, I would like to express a huge thank you to the medical staff at Royal Worcester Hospital and others who assisted and are helping me through my recovery.”
BTP Detective Inspector Robin Conway said:
“An intensive investigation by British Transport Police resulted in hundreds of people being interviewed in the Kidderminster area before three offenders were identified.
“We are grateful to the media, who publicised the incident and helped with our enquiries. There is no doubt that the publication of the photographs of the dreadful injuries sustained by the train driver led to witnesses coming forward to give statements to BTP. This aided the extremely difficult investigation immeasurably.
”This incident occurred as a result of a reckless act by individuals, the results of which were catastrophic and potentially life threatening.
“Unfortunately, the rail network continues to attract people intent on damage, stone throwing and obstruction offences, all of which have the potential to cause serious consequences to those involved, the travelling public and train crews who use trains.
”British Transport Police and Mr Paxton hope that this case sends a clear message regarding the potential impact of these types of incidents.”
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