CCTV captures moment drunk woman drives onto railway line and sends up sparks as car hits live track
Moments later, the driver of an approaching passenger train spots her headlights and has to slam on the emergency brakes to avoid hitting the car on the tracks.
Thursday 3 February 2022 14:28, UK
Police have released CCTV footage showing the moment a woman - who was more than three times the drink-drive limit - turns onto a railway line, causing a massive plume of sparks as her car hits the live track.
Taylor Barnham can be seen driving her Ford Fiesta onto a level crossing and then turning left onto the train tracks instead of continuing forward.
The footage shows the car causing an electrical discharge before coming to an abrupt stop.
Moments later, the driver of an approaching passenger train spotted her headlights and had to slam on the emergency brakes to avoid hitting her.
The near-miss happened at a rail crossing on Monkshill Road, near Faversham, Kent, on 29 May last year, just before midnight.
The 29-year-old from Rochester in Kent was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for two years, at Medway Magistrates' Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to driving without due care and attention and drink-driving at an earlier hearing, British Transport Police said.
She was also disqualified from driving for two years and is required to be under curfew between 7pm and 7am for three months.
Police found empty beer can in car footwell
Medway Magistrates' Court heard that police called to the level crossing arrested and took a breath sample from Barnham and she was found to be more than three times the drink-driving limit.
After the car was removed from the railway line, officers found an empty beer can in its footwell.
In her interview the following morning, Barnham handed detectives a pre-prepared statement in which she claimed she wasn't driving the car but was in the passenger seat directing the driver.
A few months later, in September 2021, she admitted to being the driver.
A 'stark warning'
Detective Constable Mike Ganly said: "Barnham's impetuous decision that evening could have resulted in tragic consequences.
"Not only did she put herself in grave danger, she caused significant risk to the safety of the passengers on the approaching train.
"I hope the footage of her ill-judged actions and her prosecution serves as a stark warning to anyone who may consider driving or stepping onto the tracks.
"The railway isn't a playground - it has many hidden dangers. Not only do you run the risk of being struck by an oncoming train, but the electrified third rail carries 750 volts - enough to kill you."