A DRUNKEN man walking down the railway tracks between Oswaldtwistle and Accrington caused disruption to three trains.

Blackburn magistrates heard the actions of Kieron Andrew Nolan cost Network Rail £1,402 in compensation payments.

Nolan, 39, of Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, was convicted in his absence of causing an obstruction of an engine or carriage using the railway, an offence under the Malicious Damage Act of 1861.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with six months alcohol treatment requirement and 10 days rehabilitation activity requirement. He was fined £20 with £100 compensation.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said Nolan was first spotted by staff on the York to Blackpool train at 9.25 am on June 23 2017. All trains were then put in “caution mode” and had to travel at reduced speed in the area.

The driver of the next train through saw Nolan and stopped.

“He was invited onto the train but refused,” said Mrs White. “The guard on the next train sat with the driver so they could both keep an eye out for the defendant and they spotted him walking between the rails in front of them.”

Mrs White said this train also stopped and Nolan was told to get on the train which he did. The police were notified and met the train at Accrington where Nolan was arrested.

Nolan told police he had drunk a bottle of wine and smoked some cannabis and was walking on the track because he was lost.

“When he was told he was being charged he responded by laughing,” said Mrs White. “The railway company say that acts of trespass, obstruction and vandalism are a major risk for the individuals concerned, the railway company and their passengers.”

Phil Turner, defending, said the offence consisted entirely of Nolan walking along the tracks.

“There is no suggestion of him putting anything on the tracks and posing a risk to anyone on the trains,” said Mr Turner. “The only person in any danger was him.”

He said around the time of the offence Nolan was trying to deal with drink and drug problems and homelessness.

“He spent some time on the mental health ward at Royal Blackburn Hospital and told police his head was in a bad place,” said Mr Turner. “Sixteen months later things appear to have taken a turn for the better.”