Menu
29/05/2008
Miracle Escape Recalled As Man Sentenced For Train Platform Attack
A man has been sentenced for pushing a young woman into the path of an oncoming train.
Thirty-nine-year-old David Lee Arnold, of Walmer Terrace, Woolwich, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent at the Old Bailey today.
Judge Christopher Moss sentenced Arnold to an indefinite hospital order with restrictions for public protection and said it was a "miracle" the victim survived.
The incident occurred last October when the 24-year-old doctor was pushed onto the tracks at Woolwich Arsenal station.
The woman miraculously escaped with her life as she landed between the rails and then the train passed over.
British Transport Police Detective Sergeant Bob Stokoe said: "His victim had a truly incredible escape. When she fell on the tracks she narrowly avoided being electrocuted by the third rail, which carries 750 volts."
It is understood Arnold stood motionless as she disappeared under the train and then calmly walked up the stairs and away from the station.
Two passengers raised the alarm and helped the doctor to safety by pulling her onto the platform.
The woman suffered a broken collar bone and some bruising to the side of her face.
Mr Stokoe said that Arnold gave him up at Plumstead police station about an hour after the incident and told police he had done a "very serious crime".
Judge Moss also recommended commendations for the train driver and a member of the public who went to the aid of the victim.
Mr Stokoe said the young woman has been "extremely traumatised" by the incident and is still recovering from the "distressing ordeal".
In 2004, Stephen Soans-Wade of Poplar, east London, was jailed for life for pushing security guard Christophe Duclos to his death in front of a Tube train at Mile End station.
(DS)
Thirty-nine-year-old David Lee Arnold, of Walmer Terrace, Woolwich, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent at the Old Bailey today.
Judge Christopher Moss sentenced Arnold to an indefinite hospital order with restrictions for public protection and said it was a "miracle" the victim survived.
The incident occurred last October when the 24-year-old doctor was pushed onto the tracks at Woolwich Arsenal station.
The woman miraculously escaped with her life as she landed between the rails and then the train passed over.
British Transport Police Detective Sergeant Bob Stokoe said: "His victim had a truly incredible escape. When she fell on the tracks she narrowly avoided being electrocuted by the third rail, which carries 750 volts."
It is understood Arnold stood motionless as she disappeared under the train and then calmly walked up the stairs and away from the station.
Two passengers raised the alarm and helped the doctor to safety by pulling her onto the platform.
The woman suffered a broken collar bone and some bruising to the side of her face.
Mr Stokoe said that Arnold gave him up at Plumstead police station about an hour after the incident and told police he had done a "very serious crime".
Judge Moss also recommended commendations for the train driver and a member of the public who went to the aid of the victim.
Mr Stokoe said the young woman has been "extremely traumatised" by the incident and is still recovering from the "distressing ordeal".
In 2004, Stephen Soans-Wade of Poplar, east London, was jailed for life for pushing security guard Christophe Duclos to his death in front of a Tube train at Mile End station.
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 August 2014
Police Investigating If Woman Was Trying To Save Dog When She Was Hit By Train
British Transport Police investigating the death of a woman have said that she may have been trying to save a dog when she was hit by a train. The 22-year-old woman was struck by a train close to Ainsdale station near Southport, Merseyside at about 15:00 on Wednesday. Transport police said a dog was also found dead at the scene.
Police Investigating If Woman Was Trying To Save Dog When She Was Hit By Train
British Transport Police investigating the death of a woman have said that she may have been trying to save a dog when she was hit by a train. The 22-year-old woman was struck by a train close to Ainsdale station near Southport, Merseyside at about 15:00 on Wednesday. Transport police said a dog was also found dead at the scene.
12 May 2015
Historic Royal Train Station Destroyed By Fire
The Old Royal Station in Ballater, which contained Queen Victoria's waiting room as it was the nearest station to Balmoral, has been destroyed by a fire. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service where called to the scene at about 2am on Tuesday, but despite their best efforts have reported that 90% of the historic building has been destroyed.
Historic Royal Train Station Destroyed By Fire
The Old Royal Station in Ballater, which contained Queen Victoria's waiting room as it was the nearest station to Balmoral, has been destroyed by a fire. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service where called to the scene at about 2am on Tuesday, but despite their best efforts have reported that 90% of the historic building has been destroyed.
24 January 2014
Man Shot In Essex Train Station Car Park
An investigation has been launched into an early morning shooting at a railway station in Essex. A man in his 40s is being treated for a gunshot wound to the leg, British Transport Police (BTP) have reported. It is understood that reports of a man with leg injuries were received by BTP just before 06:00.
Man Shot In Essex Train Station Car Park
An investigation has been launched into an early morning shooting at a railway station in Essex. A man in his 40s is being treated for a gunshot wound to the leg, British Transport Police (BTP) have reported. It is understood that reports of a man with leg injuries were received by BTP just before 06:00.
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.
11 August 2010
Fresh Appeal Over Manchester Rape
Greater Manchester Police have launched a fresh appeal for information over the rape of a young woman in Beswick earlier this year. The incident happened at Ashton Old Road between 3:15am and 8:30am on April 11. The 23-year-old victim had been with friends at Piccadilly Train Station hour earlier and was intoxicated.
Fresh Appeal Over Manchester Rape
Greater Manchester Police have launched a fresh appeal for information over the rape of a young woman in Beswick earlier this year. The incident happened at Ashton Old Road between 3:15am and 8:30am on April 11. The 23-year-old victim had been with friends at Piccadilly Train Station hour earlier and was intoxicated.
-
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.
