‘Stupid and dangerous’
MAN WAS SEEN LIFTING BIKE AND CLIMBING OVER LEVEL CROSSING, INCHES FROM ONCOMING TRAIN
AN ‘ARROGANT’ man who came inches away from death after forcing his way through level crossing barriers and lifting his bike over has been sentenced.
George Caraska was caught on camera squeezing through the gap in level crossing barriers in North Sheen, Richmond, and yelling “I don’t f***ing care, mate” at concerned onlookers.
The 49-year-old, of no fixed abode, angrily gestured at the train as it sped past after the driver blasted the horn on July 29 last year.
On Tuesday January 30, Caraska pleaded guilty to disobeying a safety notice or sign and obstructing an engine or carriage using the railway by an unlawful act, willful omission or neglect.
He was ordered to pay fines and a court surcharge totalling £130 at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court when he appeared via video link for sentencing.
Assistant Chief Constable Robin Smith, from British Transport Police (BTP), has condemned Caraska’s actions as “one of the most stupid, arrogant and dangerous things” he has seen in his “entire police service”.
He said: “Fortunately, Caraska was caught on camera and [the footage] widely shared on social media by members of the public who were as horrified by his actions as we were.”
Assistant Chief Constable Smith added: “Disobeying a safety notice on the railway and obstructing a train is a serious matter.
“[It] could have resulted in death or injury to the train driver, passengers, Caraska himself and massive disruption and cost to the rail network.
“Not forgetting, of course, it would have been left to my staff and busy emergency services to deal with the aftermath.”
Before Caraska’s sentencing, he George Caraska, of no fixed abode, has been sentenced for climbing over level crossing barriers
had been summonsed to appear at “Their tenacity shows we are Westminster Magistrates’ Court on relentless in tracking down anyone October 9 last year, but he failed to who puts public safety at risk. attend and was subsequently “Notices and barriers are there for arrested by the Metropolitan Police . a reason and anyone with a molecule
Assistant Chief Constable Smith of common sense knows that. added: “I am really pleased BTP “Regrettably, in Caraska’s case, officers have put this man before the common sense isn’t all that courts. common.”