06 July 2023 , 18:53
594
0
Alarming footage captures a reckless motorist drive straight into path of a train at a level crossing.
Dalat Gulzar, aged 51, ignored signs and flashing lights at the railway station, and endangered the lives of his passengers and those on board the train in a "moment of madness".
The train driver had to use emergency breaks in order to prevent a collision at Llanbedr station in Gwynedd, north Wales.
But he has "suffered emotionally as a result of what unfolded," a judge at Mold Crown Court said yesterday.
Gulzar was spared jail, Wales Online reports, and instead sentenced to a 12-month community order.
Man in 30s dies after being stabbed in park sparking police probe
Dalat Gulzar, 51, drove into the path of an oncoming train at a level crossingSentencing Gulzar, Recorder Lloyd-Jones said: "It's obvious the train driver who gave evidence suffered emotionally as a result of what unfolded before him.
"One of the things he said was this was one of the nearest misses he has had. CCTV from the train made for shocking viewing."
The court was told witnesses watched Gulzar's "dangerous manoeuvre" in horror on June 19 last year.
The defendant pulled out in his black Range Rover suddenly, prosecutors said.
But Gulzar, from Chester, denied dangerous driving. He was convicted following a trial, during which the CCTV footage was played.
The court heard he was of previous good character.
Nathan Goldstein, defending, said his client was a "hard-working family man" who had experienced a "moment of absolute madness" which will have a profound effect upon his life.
He said the defendant, who accepted his guilt following the verdict, would suffer as a result of a driving ban and would possibly have to close his business if he were not able to properly serve his customers.
Recorder Lloyd-Jones told the defendant he had fallen below the standards of a careful and competent driver, and he could have potentially caused "serious injury or death".