Railway trespasser jailed after causing delays

Anthony Andre "is lucky to be walking away with a prison sentence", Network Rail said

A trespasser who caused rush-hour chaos to passengers travelling via Clapham Junction has been jailed for eight weeks.

A total of 38 trains were delayed or cancelled after Anthony Andre, 42, trespassed on the tracks near the south London station at about 18:30 BST on 10 September.

His actions led to the power being switched off to the electric rail which powers trains through the Clapham area, and caused delays totalling 3,427 minutes - more than 57 hours. Andre was sentenced at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

"Anthony Andre is lucky to be walking away with a prison sentence, as it could have ended in tragedy," said Paul Langley, Network Rail's head of security, crime and resilience.

'Enough to kill'

Mr Langley added: "His actions not only put his own life at risk, but caused huge disruption for thousands of passengers."

The trespass happened during Tube strikes last month, causing even more disruption for some passengers.

"Trespassing on the railway is incredibly dangerous," Mr Langley said. "Trains in the South East are powered by the electric rail, which carries 750 volts and easily enough to kill or cause devastating life-changing injuries."

Andre admitted charges of trespass and obstruction at a hearing on 12 September.