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05/08/2008
'Rail Robber' Could Have Caused 'Serious' Accident
A Newport man who stole more than 170 tonnes of rail track could have caused a "serious crash".
Fifty-three-year-old Anthony Porretta, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court to two years and nine months after pleading guilty to stealing the track, worth £83,000, from Acton Turnville, South Gloucestershire.
British Transport Police (BTP) said he carried out the theft from alongside the main line running between south Wales and London Paddington.
He then sold the metal to a scrap merchant in Newport.
BTP said the track had been originally been removed by engineers from Acton Turnville, for a renovation project and placed at the side of the railway line.
Unemployed Porretta, then set about stealing the valuable metal, and on 1 December, 2006, used a crane to load five lorries with the old track.
Following an investigation by British Transport Police CID officers, five men were arrested, one being Porretta.
His four co-defendants were acquitted after Porretta admitted the offence.
Acting Detective Inspector Jon Rawson from BTP said: "In a worst-case scenario Porretta's actions could have caused a train to crash.
"There are safety procedure to follow when removing redundant track from beside the railway line, which Porreta did not follow.
"A piece of rail track could have struck a passing train and caused a serious rail incident. Fortunately this did not happen."
Acting Detective Inspector Rawson said after the sentencing: "We are pleased and hope it sends out a strong message that this type of crime will not be tolerated."
BTP Chief Constable Ian Johnstone has described the metal theft as the force's second-biggest challenge - after terrorism.
BTP said that metal theft is up nationally by at least 150% and estimated to cost British industry £360 million annually.
Between January and mid-June, there were 1,169 recorded cases of metal theft and 235 arrests.
(DS)
Fifty-three-year-old Anthony Porretta, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court to two years and nine months after pleading guilty to stealing the track, worth £83,000, from Acton Turnville, South Gloucestershire.
British Transport Police (BTP) said he carried out the theft from alongside the main line running between south Wales and London Paddington.
He then sold the metal to a scrap merchant in Newport.
BTP said the track had been originally been removed by engineers from Acton Turnville, for a renovation project and placed at the side of the railway line.
Unemployed Porretta, then set about stealing the valuable metal, and on 1 December, 2006, used a crane to load five lorries with the old track.
Following an investigation by British Transport Police CID officers, five men were arrested, one being Porretta.
His four co-defendants were acquitted after Porretta admitted the offence.
Acting Detective Inspector Jon Rawson from BTP said: "In a worst-case scenario Porretta's actions could have caused a train to crash.
"There are safety procedure to follow when removing redundant track from beside the railway line, which Porreta did not follow.
"A piece of rail track could have struck a passing train and caused a serious rail incident. Fortunately this did not happen."
Acting Detective Inspector Rawson said after the sentencing: "We are pleased and hope it sends out a strong message that this type of crime will not be tolerated."
BTP Chief Constable Ian Johnstone has described the metal theft as the force's second-biggest challenge - after terrorism.
BTP said that metal theft is up nationally by at least 150% and estimated to cost British industry £360 million annually.
Between January and mid-June, there were 1,169 recorded cases of metal theft and 235 arrests.
(DS)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
