Man cleared of endangering safety of passengers after Welshpool train crash

John Elwyn Roberts was charged following the crash back in 2013 and had pleaded not guilty to the charge last year.

His original trial was due to take place last summer but it was then adjourned until January.

It could not take place at that stage because of the defendant's ill-health.

At Mold Crown Court yesterday the prosecution announced that it would offer no evidence against him.

The crash between the Arriva Wales passenger train and a tractor and trailer occurred at a farm crossing close to Buttington Hall in Buttington, just north of Welshpool, on July 16, 2013.

The 74-year-old defendant of Oldford Rise, Welshpool, whose job it was at the time to wave contract tractor drivers across the line after checking it was safe to do so, had denied the charge of endangering the safety of train passengers and crew.

There were about 140 passengers on board the train at the time who were moved to safety and two were taken to Welshpool hospital.

The tractor driver and two other people nearby suffered minor injuries in the collision, which caused significant damage to the front of the train, which was travelling from Birmingham International station to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli in Wales.

Prosecutor Emmalyne Downing said that they had received a lengthy medical report on the defendant.

It was clear that he had a number of health issues and had decided not to proceed any further because of his ill-health.

Judge Niclas Parry recorded a formal not guilty verdict.

He said the prosecution had taken a merciful view.

Proceedings against the tractor driver involved were dropped previously.