Jail for man who almost caused train to derail

Jordan Andrewatha (21) appeared at Sheffield Crown Court and admitted arranging to recevice a stolen wood chipper.

The botched theft attempt near Swinton station in November caused serious damage to an empty passenger train after the one-tonne chipper was left on the tracks.

Andrewatha, of Cedar Avenue in Mexborough, was jailed for two years. Det Insp Ian Trantum, of Biritish Transport Police, said: “This sentence demonstrates the seriousness of what happened that morning. 

“Thankfully, the train was empty, apart from the driver and train manager, who feared the train would be derailed. Both were left extremely shaken by the incident. This act endangered lives and caused serious disruption to services.

“The subsequent investigation and removal of the equipment from the line meant delays for passengers and the cancellation of rush hour services.”

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.