A 14-YEAR-OLD boy has been given a 12 month referral order after pleading guilty to obstructing railway lines with concrete, bricks and a skateboard.

A 14-YEAR-OLD boy has been given a 12 month referral order after pleading guilty to obstructing railway lines with concrete, bricks and a skateboard.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons but is from Bury St Edmunds, pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction with intent and one count of obstruction at Ipswich Crown Court today.

The charges relate to two separate incidents near to Bury St Edmunds station last year in which the same driver feared that his services were in danger of derailing as a result of hitting obstructions on the line.

The first incident occurred on June 15 at around 8pm when the driver reported hitting two concrete lids on the line at 75mph, causing the front end of the train to rise up from the tracks and the need for emergency brakes to be applied.

The second incident happened on June 17 at around 6.20pm when a packed commuter train passed through the same location, also at 75mph, and smashed into a piece of wood and a number of bricks on the line. Police later discovered that the wood was in fact a skateboard.

Officers from British Transport Police carried out local enquiries and, after receiving information about a possible suspect, tracked down and arrested the youth who later admitted the offences.

BTP route crime officer, PC Bob Kelsey, said: “I cannot emphasise strongly enough the dangers associated with placing objects on the railway.

“Fortunately no one was injured as a result of these incidents, but I think it's fair to say that the consequences could have been far worse.

“Such reckless behaviour potentially endangers not only the safety of passengers but also the lives of those who trespass on to the line.”

PC Kelsey added: “In light of this case I would like to remind parents of the importance of telling their children that the railway is not a playground.”

“It can be a very dangerous place and children are asked to not risk their lives for what they may see as a bit of harmless fun.”

A spokesperson for National Express said: “Obstructing the railway is a very serious matter and not only places those who commit these offences at risk, but also has the potential to endanger our customers and staff.

“We will continue to work closely with the British Transport Police in taking a robust stance to secure prosecutions for acts of this nature.”