Posted: 17:53, August 11, 2022
This is the shocking moment a train carrying 100 passengers crashed into a Range Rover after a driver drove it onto a level crossing near Norwich.
Steve Kennedy-Smith, 63, was trying to reverse his car when he was hit.
His car was badly damaged, although he – and the passengers on the train – escaped unhurt after the crash at the level crossing at Great Plumstead, near Thorpe End.
The level crossing at Great Plumstead where Steve Kennedy-Smith was hit by a train – Photo: Brittany Woodman
He appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday where he was sentenced to six weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, for dangerous driving.
The Norwich to Sheringham train heads into a level crossing at Great Plumstead – Picture: British Transport Police
Becky Warren, a British Transport Police (BTP) inspector, described it as a “shocking incident” which had “potentially life-threatening consequences for Kennedy-Smith, as well as the driver and all passengers on the line”.
A train line from Norwich to Sheringham passing through a level crossing at Great Plumstead where there was a crash involving a Range Rover – Credit: British Transport Police
After the incident, which happened at around 7.20pm on July 17 last year, Inspector Warren issued a warning urging others to take care near crossings.
A train line from Norwich to Sheringham passing through a level crossing at Great Plumstead where there was a crash involving a Range Rover – Credit: British Transport Police
She said: “Crossings need to be taken seriously and I am pleased to see dangerous drivers being penalized for causing significant disruption and risk to the network.
“Have some patience and wait until it’s safe to cross – it’s really not worth risking your life and the lives of others just to save a few minutes.”
Kennedy-Smith, of Irstead Road, Neatishead, appeared in court on Wednesday (August 10) after being found guilty of dangerous driving following a trial.
Steve Kennedy-Smith who was found guilty of dangerous driving – Picture: Peter Walsh, Archant Norfolk
Stephen Munton, prosecuting, said the crash caused “limited damage to the train” and “significant damage” to Kennedy-Smith’s vehicle, which had a “torn front end” and exposed lights and wheels.
The train was able to continue to Hoveton and Wroxham station where passengers were disembarked.
Sentencing, Gillian Philpott, chair of the bench, told him the offense “crossed the threshold of custody because of the risk to the train driver, you and the passengers”.
In addition to his suspended prison sentence, Kennedy-Smith was also ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work, pay £775 costs, £100 driver’s compensation and a £128 victim surcharge.
Gavin Coe, representing the defendant, said it was a “single, brief incident” where the damage caused to the train was “minor”.
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