A Merseyrail driver crashed his train only a few moments after sending a WhatsApp message.
Phillip Hollis, 59, of Spellow Lane, Walton, Liverpool, admitted a charge of endangering the safety of passengers when he appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 8th February 2022.
This is an offence under section 34 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. It has a maximum penalty of 6 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction; 2 years' custody and/or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment.
The charge arose from an incident at Kirkby Railway Station on the early evening of Saturday, 13th March 2021, when the train driven by Hollis collided heavily with a buffer stop.
Preliminary investigations by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch reveal that the train, consisting of electric multiple unit number 507006, ran into the station in excess of 40 mph - almost three times the 15 mph speed limit. Realising his mistake Hollis applied the emergency brake, but it was too late to avoid a collision.
An estimated £450,000 worth of damage was caused to the train and railway infrastructure. Twelve passengers sustained minor injuries. The station was closed for more than a fortnight for repairs.
Hollis was arrested a fortnight after the collision and rumours quickly emerged that he had been "playing" on his mobile phone instead of concentrating on his driving.
Strict railway regulations prohibit train drivers from using mobile phones whilst at the controls.
A British Transport Police spokesperson said: "Hollis told police that his bag had fallen off a cupboard in the cab and he'd stood up to retrieve it along with a bottle of Lucozade, before sitting back down and seeing the buffers approaching.
"However, when Hollis's phone was seized and analysed, detectives found he'd sent a WhatsApp message at 6.51.34pm, 26 seconds before the crash.
"He was interviewed again by detectives and admitted his phone should have been turned off in the cab."
Hollis, who had a 40-year unblemished driving record and no previous convictions, was dismissed by Merseyrail in September.
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing.
Hollis was granted unconditional bail until his sentencing hearing on Tuesday, 8th March 2022.
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