Menu
25/11/2011
Criminal Charge Over Girls' Rail Deaths
Criminal proceedings are to be brought against Network Rail for breaches in health and safety law that led to the deaths of two teenage girls in 2005.
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) said on Friday their prosecution came after their reopened investigation into the deaths of Olivia Bazlinton and Charlotte Thompson.
The girls were aged 14 and 13 years old, and were struck by a train at the Essex footpath crossing, operated by Network Rail, some six years ago.
Speaking on Friday, Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety at ORR, said: "After careful consideration and examination of Network Rail documents not previously seen by ORR, we have concluded that there is enough evidence, and that it is in the public interest, to bring criminal proceedings against Network Rail for serious breaches of health and safety law which led to the deaths of Olivia Bazlinton and Charlotte Thompson at Elsenham station footpath crossing in December 2005.
"Legal papers have been lodged at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today. My thoughts are with the families of Olivia and Charlotte. ORR will do everything it can to ensure that the prosecution proceeds as quickly as possible."
The investigation, which was originally closed in May 2007, was reopened by ORR in February 2011 when a further Network Rail document was brought to ORR’s attention.
Network Rail faces two charges under The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and one charge under the Health and Safety at Work.
(DW)
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) said on Friday their prosecution came after their reopened investigation into the deaths of Olivia Bazlinton and Charlotte Thompson.
The girls were aged 14 and 13 years old, and were struck by a train at the Essex footpath crossing, operated by Network Rail, some six years ago.
Speaking on Friday, Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety at ORR, said: "After careful consideration and examination of Network Rail documents not previously seen by ORR, we have concluded that there is enough evidence, and that it is in the public interest, to bring criminal proceedings against Network Rail for serious breaches of health and safety law which led to the deaths of Olivia Bazlinton and Charlotte Thompson at Elsenham station footpath crossing in December 2005.
"Legal papers have been lodged at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today. My thoughts are with the families of Olivia and Charlotte. ORR will do everything it can to ensure that the prosecution proceeds as quickly as possible."
The investigation, which was originally closed in May 2007, was reopened by ORR in February 2011 when a further Network Rail document was brought to ORR’s attention.
Network Rail faces two charges under The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and one charge under the Health and Safety at Work.
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 January 2012
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
08 November 2011
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case". The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case". The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
09 October 2008
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
27 April 2004
Firms accept liability for Potters Bar rail crash
In a joint statement made today Network Rail and Jarvis plc have formally accepted liability for the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash. Network Rail and Jarvis said they hoped that by "formalising the liability issue, those affected by the tragedy will gain some level of comfort and assistance".
Firms accept liability for Potters Bar rail crash
In a joint statement made today Network Rail and Jarvis plc have formally accepted liability for the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash. Network Rail and Jarvis said they hoped that by "formalising the liability issue, those affected by the tragedy will gain some level of comfort and assistance".
24 October 2003
'Fundamental review' sees rail maintenance brought in-house
Network Rail has announced that it is to bring rail maintenance activity back in-house, and so unify the operation and maintenance of Britain's rail infrastructure. Today’s announcement represents the "most fundamental restructuring" of Britain’s railway since British Rail was reorganised in 1994, two years before privatisation.
'Fundamental review' sees rail maintenance brought in-house
Network Rail has announced that it is to bring rail maintenance activity back in-house, and so unify the operation and maintenance of Britain's rail infrastructure. Today’s announcement represents the "most fundamental restructuring" of Britain’s railway since British Rail was reorganised in 1994, two years before privatisation.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
