A court has heard that Network Rail is to plead guilty to health and safety offences over the deaths of two girls at a level crossing.
The Office of Rail Regulation’s prosecution of Network Rail is for breaches of health and safety law which led to the deaths of Olivia Bazlinton and Charlotte Thompson, at Elsenham station footpath crossing in December 2005.
A spokesperson for the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) said:
“The Office of Rail Regulation’s prosecution of Network Rail for breaches of health and safety law which led to the deaths of Olivia Bazlinton and Charlotte Thompson at Elsenham station footpath crossing in December 2005 had its first hearing today at Basildon Magistrates’ Court.
“Network Rail pleaded guilty to two charges under The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and guilty to one charge under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
“The court has committed Network Rail to Chelmsford Crown Court where a sentencing hearing will take place on 15 March 2012.
“Our thoughts are with the families of Olivia and Charlotte. ORR will do everything it can to ensure that the prosecution proceeds as quickly as possible.”
