Menu
15/11/2012
5 Years For Train Guard Responsible For Death Of Teen
A railway guard has been sentenced to five years in jail for causing the death of a teenager who went under a train at a Liverpool station.
16-year-old Georgia Varley died when she fell between the carriage and platform at James Street station in October 2011.
Christopher McGee, 45, had denied manslaughter but was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday.
Sentencing him, Mr Justice Holroyde said McGee displayed an "appalling disregard" for Georgia's safety.
McGee signalled for the driver to depart as Georgia, who was drunk, stood on the platform leaning against the train.
McGee had told the jury he did not know how drunk she had been and thought she was moving away from the train when he gave the signal to depart.
However, during the two-week trial, the prosecution said McGee should have been able to see she was in an "intoxicated state".
The jury unanimously found McGee, of Wallasey, Wirral, guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence.
Mr Justice Holroyde told him: "Georgia's life was ended in a dreadful way at the age of just 16 by your gross negligence.
"You did not intend to kill or even injure her, but you displayed an appalling disregard for her safety, and she paid for your criminal negligence with her life."
The judge added: "Much has been made on your behalf during this trial of how intoxicated Georgia was but that did not relieve you of the duty of care which you owed to her.
"Your decision and your action determined whether Georgia Varley was safe from risk."
(H/GK)
16-year-old Georgia Varley died when she fell between the carriage and platform at James Street station in October 2011.
Christopher McGee, 45, had denied manslaughter but was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday.
Sentencing him, Mr Justice Holroyde said McGee displayed an "appalling disregard" for Georgia's safety.
McGee signalled for the driver to depart as Georgia, who was drunk, stood on the platform leaning against the train.
McGee had told the jury he did not know how drunk she had been and thought she was moving away from the train when he gave the signal to depart.
However, during the two-week trial, the prosecution said McGee should have been able to see she was in an "intoxicated state".
The jury unanimously found McGee, of Wallasey, Wirral, guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence.
Mr Justice Holroyde told him: "Georgia's life was ended in a dreadful way at the age of just 16 by your gross negligence.
"You did not intend to kill or even injure her, but you displayed an appalling disregard for her safety, and she paid for your criminal negligence with her life."
The judge added: "Much has been made on your behalf during this trial of how intoxicated Georgia was but that did not relieve you of the duty of care which you owed to her.
"Your decision and your action determined whether Georgia Varley was safe from risk."
(H/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 July 2009
Steven Gerrard Found Not Guilty Of Affray
Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard has today been found not guilty of affray, following a row in a Merseyside bar. The England midfielder admitted hitting Marcus McGee, 34, in a row over music in a Southport bar. Gerrard apologised in court for lashing out at the businessman, but denied losing control in the confrontation.
Steven Gerrard Found Not Guilty Of Affray
Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard has today been found not guilty of affray, following a row in a Merseyside bar. The England midfielder admitted hitting Marcus McGee, 34, in a row over music in a Southport bar. Gerrard apologised in court for lashing out at the businessman, but denied losing control in the confrontation.
07 August 2009
Great Train Robber Released
Ronnie Biggs has been formally released from prison today on compassionate grounds. Justice Secretary Jack Straw yesterday approved the Great Train Robber's release. Biggs - who turns 80 tomorrow - is severely ill with pneumonia was told he is unlikely to recover.
Great Train Robber Released
Ronnie Biggs has been formally released from prison today on compassionate grounds. Justice Secretary Jack Straw yesterday approved the Great Train Robber's release. Biggs - who turns 80 tomorrow - is severely ill with pneumonia was told he is unlikely to recover.
01 May 2008
Four Britons In Egypt Bus Crash
British nationals are believed to have been hurt in a bus crash in Egypt. It is thought that nine people have been killed and a further 16 have been injured. Reports say that four British holidaymakers have been injured although the Foreign Office has not confirmed this or whether any Britons are among the dead.
Four Britons In Egypt Bus Crash
British nationals are believed to have been hurt in a bus crash in Egypt. It is thought that nine people have been killed and a further 16 have been injured. Reports say that four British holidaymakers have been injured although the Foreign Office has not confirmed this or whether any Britons are among the dead.
26 June 2008
Great Escape On The Cards For Infamous Train Robber
Infamous train robber, Ronnie Biggs, could be freed from jail in a year, his lawyer has said. Biggs, 78, was sentenced to 30 years for the 1963 robbery, but escaped Wandsworth prison by scaling a rope ladder, after 15 months.
Great Escape On The Cards For Infamous Train Robber
Infamous train robber, Ronnie Biggs, could be freed from jail in a year, his lawyer has said. Biggs, 78, was sentenced to 30 years for the 1963 robbery, but escaped Wandsworth prison by scaling a rope ladder, after 15 months.
18 July 2005
Engineering firm pleads guilty to Hatfield safety breach
Engineering firm Balfour Beattie has pleaded guilty to the charge that it breached safety standards before the Hatfield train disaster, in which four people died. The change of plea comes after the company, and five of its managers, were cleared of corporate manslaughter charges last week.
Engineering firm pleads guilty to Hatfield safety breach
Engineering firm Balfour Beattie has pleaded guilty to the charge that it breached safety standards before the Hatfield train disaster, in which four people died. The change of plea comes after the company, and five of its managers, were cleared of corporate manslaughter charges last week.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
