Network Rail fined £150,000 over track accidents

Network Rail has been fined £150,000 for breaching health and safety laws following the death of one worker and the serious injury of another.

Charles Stockwell, from Reading, was hit by a train and killed while welding at Ruscombe, Berkshire in April 2007.

Track worker David Coles was struck by a train which severed his leg in 2008 at Kennington Junction near Oxford.

The sentencing at Reading Crown Court follows a lengthy investigation by the Office of Rail Regulation.

The regulator found Network Rail had failed to ensure the safety of its employees.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "Network Rail respects the verdict of the court and has apologised today for its shortcomings.

"The judge acknowledged that we have made improvements to our maintenance regime. We will always strive to make further improvements."