Apology From Jailed Bridge Protester

The man who caused massive disruption to train services by refusing to budge from a bridge, has issued an apology to the general public.

Grimsby Crown Court heard how Jonathan West caused chaos and disruption to trains through Scunthorpe and Barnetby, last November.

It is thought Jonathan West remained on the bridge between around 9:15am until at least 5:30pm on November 19 last year. More than 50 trains were cancelled or diverted and the road underneath the bridge also had to be closed.

The financial price of Mr West's actions runs into the thousands. The cost of the mayhem to Network Rail was more than £63,000, and the cost of deploying a police helicopter adds a further £7,000 to the bill.

West appeared in court via a video link to be sentenced. He also read a letter to the court, saying he wished to apologise to the public for his actions.

Judge Simon Jack told West:

"You caused a very serious public nuisance by being on that railway bridge."

West also admitted an assault and harassment charge.

The 24-year-old, who had 52 convictions, was jailed for a total of 18 months – one year for the railway disruption and six months to run consecutively for the assault and harassment.

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GV Hale

Crime Solicitors