A top student was hauled before the courts - for putting her feet up on a train seat `for ten seconds'. Kathleen Jennings, a Cub Scout leader who also works with disabled children, was reduced to tears as she was grilled by a rail `enforcement officer'.
Even though she took her flip-flops off the seat straight away and apologised, she has been summonsed to appear before magistrates accused of `wilfully interfering with the comfort or convenience' of other rail passengers.
She faced a fine and prosecution costs of £150, on top of substantial solicitor's fees. Her father Tony said: "It's just 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.
But for once, sense prevailed and yesterday she walked free from court today with an absolute discharge. She was not even ordered to pay costs.
Chairman of the bench Christine Abrams said: "The bench is united in feeling that while this is contrary to a bye-law, we feel that Merseyrail should have a less draconian method of dealing with matters of this nature. A fixed penalty system may be more appropriate."
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