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Cub Scout leader in court
for putting feet on train seat 'for just a few seconds'
ANDY DOLAN
UK
Daily Mail
Tuesday September 4, 2007
When Kathleen Jennings was caught resting her feet on a train
seat, she hoped a swift apology would be the end of the matter.
But the rail 'enforcement officer' who caught her had other ideas.
He took her details and she has now been summoned to court where
today she faces the prospect of a criminal conviction.
The 19-year-old student, who is a Cub Scout leader and volunteer
worker with special needs children, said the incident left her
in tears.
"I am not the sort of person who would do anything wrong,"
she insisted.
(Article continues below)
"I have never been in trouble before and, working with children,
I do not want a criminal record."
Miss Jennings stands accused of "wilfully interfering with
the comfort or convenience' of other passengers. It is understood
she faces a fine and prosecution costs of £150 on top of
substantial solicitor's fees.
The Manchester University maths undergraduate, who lives in Oldham,
was on a train to Chester with her boyfriend when the incident
happened.
"I put my feet on the seat in front of me - just the edge
of my flipflops," she recalled.
"A man in uniform came up to me and said, 'Are you comfortable?'
"I said sorry and moved my feet back to the floor. Then
he said he wanted to see me when I got off the train.
"I got off at Chester and he was waiting on the side.
"I was scared throughout the journey. He ushered me over
to the side of the platform and cautioned me."
The Merseyrail enforcement officer took down Miss Jennings's
address, phone number and occupation - and even recorded what
she was wearing.
The encounter in June led to the summons to appear before Chester
magistrates today.
Miss Jennings's father, Tony, said: "It's ridiculous. Why
couldn't a fixed-penalty notice be given? She could end up with
a criminal record on her CV, which could affect her future. It's
madness.
"Kathleen has always been an A* student and is a good, considerate
girl. She's never been in trouble."
Merseyrail is the only rail company which prosecutes passengers
for putting feet on seats.
Around 250 have been taken to court since its scheme was launched
in February.
A company spokesman said that the 'feet up' policy had been widely
publicised through signs and loudspeaker announcements.
In May, Babiker Fadol was prosecuted for an identical offence
on a Merseyrail service.
The 45-year-old from Chester admitted the charge put to Miss
Jennings and was given a oneyear conditional discharge with £50
costs.
Enforcement officers use CCTV 'head cams' to provide evidence
for prosecutions based on railway by-laws dating back 120 years.
The company's spokesman added that it had not been possible to
charge offenders before because of difficulties in obtaining proof.
The policy was launched in response to "passenger feedback"
for a campaign against antisocial behaviour.
Merseyrail has spent £32million refurbishing its rolling
stock.
A fortnight ago the Daily Mail told how a boy of 12 was taken
to court and charged with assault for throwing a cocktail sausage.
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