Man's mile-long walk on railway caused travel chaos

Phillip Colbourne was sentenced for obstructing the railway.

A man whose "incredibly dangerous and disruptive" one-mile walk along railway tracks caused travel chaos for rail passengers in the north west of England has been jailed.

Philip Colebourne was arrested after he was spotted walking along the line from Southport station to the next stop at Birkdale in Merseyside on 18 August.

Power to the line had to be cut while officers tracked him down, which caused widespread delays and disruption including seven cancelled trains, Network Rail said.

The 49-year-old, of Wavertree, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to obstruction of the railway and was jailed for four months and 15 days' and handed a £154 fine.

British Transport Police officers found Colbourne at the Birkdale station after he had walked a mile from Southport in a Liverpool-bound direction.

Transport bosses at Network Rail confirmed the incident caused seven train cancellations, 10 part-cancellations, and led to a total of "474 minutes of passenger delays".

"Obstructing the railway is not only illegal, it's incredibly dangerous and disruptive," Insp James Deveraux said.

"Colbourne's actions severely impacted the travelling public and also put himself at significant risk of death or serious injury.

"We hope this outcome sends a clear message: we will not hesitate to take action against those who endanger the network."

Phil James, Network Rail North West route director, said: "As well as causing severe disruption for passengers, trespass incidents like this are dangerous for the individuals involved and those responding.

"It can be extremely traumatic for our staff and passengers who witness these incidents."