TWO thieves from Llanelli caused delays and danger to 176 trains after they repeatedly ripped out signalling cables to sell for scrap.
Marquis Evans, aged 24, and Matthew Lilleyman, 30, cut away three quarters of a mile of copper cables at Llandeilo Junction, where the Heart of Wales line spurs away from the Swansea – Pembroke Dock line.
It cost Network Rail £45,800 in repairs and compensation payments to the train companies whose services were thrown into chaos.
Evans, of Stradey Hill, admitted four offences of theft and was jailed for 20 months.
Lilleyman, of Elizabeth Street, pleaded guilty to three offences and received an 18 month sentence.
Evans’ cousin, Shane Goddard, 20, of Brynawelon, admitted one offence of theft and was jailed for four months, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work for the community.
John Hipkin, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court how the trio targeted the same stretch of line in June.
A “wholescale” investigation was launched by British Transport police who recovered a hack saw from the scene.
The saw was traced to a Tesco store at Trostre, Llanelli, where Evans was filmed by CCTV cameras making the purchase.
After his arrest Evans told police he had been addicted to drugs and gambling.
The court heard that Evans had been released shortly before the offending after serving a 10 month sentence and had still been on licence from prison.
His barrister, Georgina Buckley, said: “He accepts there are a number of aggravating features and that he has an appalling record for dishonesty. But he wants to change.”
Judge Peter Heywood said they had endangered the lives of passengers and train crew. Trains could have been sent onto sections of track they were not supposed to use.
“The messages needs to go out to others that if they endanger life sentences of immediate custody are called for,” he added.
Add Comment