Near-miss driver escapes jail term
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• A lorry driver who just missed colliding with a 60mph train on a level crossing has escaped a jail sentence because of his exemplary work record.
Last month Bernard Wilson, 57, of Barlborough, Chesterfield was convicted at Norwich Crown Court of endangering the life of train driver Mark Holmes (CM 20-26 July) but had to wait until last week for sentencing.
During the case Judge Peter Langan had heard that the train driver was so shocked by the near-hit that he was left curled up crying in the cab. Wilson was warned that he should not expect a lenient sentence.
But, having heard Wilson praised by three character witnesses, Langan sentenced him to 120 hours community service and ordered him to pay £500 compensation. He said: "In the most literal sense this offence was a shocking one because of the terror it induced without any intention on your part. It is an offence normally marked by a sentence of imprisonment, but you have never been in trouble with the law and have an exemplary work record."