Forums Forums Local News Train guard stands trial for manslaughter

Had an interesting email regarding this case sent to me today how do i attach it on here x

Thought some of u might like to read this x

40 year old trains where accident waiting to happen !

After reading the full report its no wonder it was delayed until after the court decision.

Merseyrail should evaluate equipment and operational arrangements that allow the person responsible for train dispatch to:
a. observe the platform and train without interruption for as long as possible, ideally until the train has left the platform; and
b. stop the train directly and quickly in an emergency.


How many times have we all seen a train leave with the guards door open and the guards looking out. Not procedure apparently.

Why didn't his barrister ask for the rail report to be made available to the jury

surely this is grounds for a successful appeal always remembering of course the poor girl who so tragically died that night

Only his barrister knows the answer to that one and lets hope so he needs to be bk home, it was a tragic accident that night and my thoughts are always with Georgia's family i could never imagine the pain they are going through.

He shouldnt of let the train go when she was leaning against the train. He should of waited to she was standing behind the yellow lines.

Katryn maybe read the RAIB report x

Their is doubt in the decision made and the sentence. Please read the report fully and consider your opinion. The facts speak for themselves plus the time scale and previous similar incidents.

Thought it was innocent until PROVEN guilty - not guilty but not sure about it.
Free Chris Gee

Any news about Chris's appeal ?

Its next Thursday in London according to the Echo.

Link to Liverpool Echo

Christopher McGee fails in Georgia Varley train death appeal
6 Jun 2013 14:51
Court of Appeal judges say Mcgee made 'inexplicable' decision and original sentence was fair

Merseyrail train guard Christopher McGee who was jailed for five years for causing the death of Wirral teenager Georgia Varley failed in his Court of Appeal challenge to the sentence today.

McGee, 46, of Edenhurst Avenue, Wallasey, was locked up at Liverpool Crown Court last November after he was convicted of the manslaughter of Birkenhead Sixth Form College student Georgia by gross negligence.

McGee had given the all-clear to the train driver to move out of James Street Station when Georgia was leaning on the side of the carriage, causing her to lose her balance and fall between platform and train.

Today, his lawyers took his case to the Court of Appeal, where they argued before Lord Justice Pitchford, Mr Justice Griffith Williams and Judge Neil Ford QC that the sentence was too tough.

But in a 90-minute hearing at the London court, Lord Justice Pitchford threw out McGee's appeal.

The judge said McGee had taken the "inexplicable" decision to give the driver the signal to move off, knowing there was a "gross risk of death or serious injury" to a drunken teenager.

McGee's barrister, Peter Birkett QC, argued that the five-year term was out of step with previous sentencing decisions in gross negligence manslaughter cases and did not reflect his personal mitigation.

He had been a train guard for 20 years, had an unblemished record and had himself suffered from the incident due to post traumatic stress disorder and a first prison sentence for a man of good character.

"This is an appellant who was not previously of what might be described as the criminal milieu and so any imprisonment is particularly hard to bear," the QC told the three appeal judges.

But giving judgment, Lord Justice Pitchford said the appeal was not even arguable.

"What distinguishes this case is the appellant's inexplicable decision, knowing of the gross risk of death or serious injury to this drunk young women, to signal to the driver that it was safe to proceed," he said.

"It seems to us that this was gross negligence of a very high order in the performance of his responsibility, both to the public and to this individual over which the appellant had complete personal control.

"Standing back, we do not underestimate the severity of the sentence imposed, but we are quite satisfied that the trial judge, who was in the best position to make the assessment of seriousness, took account of all relevant factors.

"He reflected them in a sentence within the appropriate range and, for that reason, we are unable to conclude that the sentence he imposed was arguably manifestly excessive and, for that reason, we must reject the application."

Source

90 minute hearing my ass!

How could they read through the case in 90 minutes?

This guy worked the platform for years without a problem, 1 mistake and this?

Takes the piss, that judge knows sweet f a.
How about taking a look at how Chris has worked hard at his job all these years?

Does not deserve this, British justice system is a joke!!!

HOW ABOUT THE RAIL COMPANY TAKING SOME RESPONSIBILITY AND MAKE THE PLATFORMS A SAFER PLACE???