Essex drug dealer jailed after driving on railway line

Kieron Francis, who appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday, was jailed for ten years after he was convicted of two charges of endangering life.

The conviction came after the 36-year-old drove a Land Rover Discovery through a level crossing and onto the train tracks at Cheshunt railway station, Hertfordshire, in July 2021.

The car had been stolen from a Tesco car park in Braintree one month prior.

Francis, now of Fossway, Dagenham, had been running a drug line in the town for six months in 2021 before the police chase took place two summers ago.

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The 36-year-old had previously admitted supplying crack and heroin in the town, and had previously admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, two offences of criminal damage, unlawfully driving on the railway tracks, assaulting an emergency worker, and abandoning the Land Rover.

The incident, which unfolded in front of shocked witnesses nearly two years ago, saw Francis crash through a level crossing barrier before driving down the railway tracks at Cheshunt Station.

After driving 200m down the line, Francis abandoned the Land Rover – which had fake number plates – and fled the authorities on foot.

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Francis was eventually arrested nearly two weeks later by police and has been in custody since.

The court heard Francis’s actions caused 66 train cancellations, 4,800 minutes of delays, and cost Network Rail £47,700.

The Daily Mail, which covered the court case, reported how defence barrister Chantel Gaber argued Francis has not repeated his behaviour since the incident.

Callous – Francis drove 200m down the railway line before abandoning the Land Rover (Image: SWNS)

She said: “He has mental health and learning difficulties. He suffers anxiety and depression and is in constant pain after an accident.

“It was a seemingly spur of the moment decision (to drive onto the track) – there was no plan.”

Recorder Eason Rajah told Francis at St Albans Crown Court it was highly fortunate nobody was injured from Francis’s actions.

Detective Constable Jim Simpson, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Specialist Investigation Team, led the case.

Commenting on what happened last year, he said: “Francis’ actions on that day were extremely dangerous and it’s a miracle that no one was more seriously hurt.

“I’m very pleased that the efforts of all the officers involved have led to convictions for such rarely used legislation, that encompassed the full intent of Francis’ actions.”