OUT OF LINE - Drunk man miraculously survived after lying down on a train track - as a TRAIN went over him

A drunk man narrowly escaped death after he lay face down on a railway track - and allowed a TRAIN to pass over him, a court heard.
Derek Acton, 44, was caught on camera stumbling along a platformDerek Acton, 44, was caught on camera stumbling along a platform
Derek Acton, 44, was caught on camera stumbling along a platform

Derek Acton, 44, was caught on camera stumbling along a platform at Harlow Mill station, Essex, and dangling his legs off the side.

The dramatic footage then shows him climbing down on to the lines and lying face down between the tracks.

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Just moments later, a Greater Anglia train drove over him at speed - before Acton got back up and climbed back up on to the platform.

Derek Acton, 44, was caught on camera stumbling along a platformDerek Acton, 44, was caught on camera stumbling along a platform
Derek Acton, 44, was caught on camera stumbling along a platform

Emergency services were quickly at the scene and Acton, of Harlow, Essex, was checked over by paramedics and found to be uninjured.

He was charged with obstructing the railway after his actions at around 7.40pm on October 28 last year cost Network Rail an estimated £11,700 in delay compensation.

At Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Monday (19/02), Acton was handed a twelve month community order, a 60 day alcohol abstinence requirement and a £570 fine.

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Speaking after sentencing, Inspector Steve Webster from British Transport Police said: "Quite frankly, Acton is lucky to be alive.

Derek Acton, 44, was caught on camera stumbling along a platformDerek Acton, 44, was caught on camera stumbling along a platform
Derek Acton, 44, was caught on camera stumbling along a platform

"In his intoxicated state, he climbed down onto the tracks and lay in the path of a fast approaching train. His actions were baffling.

"I hope Acton sticks to his community order and the alcohol abstinence requirement.

"Hopefully he will steer clear of the tracks and avoid being involved in another near miss.

"The railway is an extremely dangerous place to trespass.

"Every year my officers are called to tragic incidents where someone has died or seriously injured as a result of being hit by a train.

"Please remember to stay off the tracks and away from danger."