A van driver who initially tried to blame his pet French bulldog for a dramatic crash at a railway station has admitted to driving without due care and attention.
The Incident at Knaresborough Station
Jody Lovatt, 49, was heading to work after a gym session in July last year when his Vauxhall Combi van broke down near Knaresborough Station in North Yorkshire. He got out of the vehicle and attempted to restart it, intending to push it backwards as he was worried it was causing an obstruction.
However, the van suddenly rolled away down a hill. Despite Lovatt's attempts to stop it, the vehicle smashed through the barriers of a level crossing before colliding with a Grade II-listed Victorian signal box. The impact caused significant structural damage estimated at £22,000.
From Canine Excuse to Courtroom Guilty Plea
In the immediate aftermath, Lovatt attempted to lay the blame for the accident on his pet dog, Reggie. He claimed the French bulldog had chewed through the van's handbrake, causing it to move off accidentally.
This story did not hold up in court. CCTV footage from the scene showed Lovatt, with Reggie on a lead, getting out of the van, re-entering, and then jumping out again as it began to roll away. At Harrogate Magistrates' Court, Lovatt pleaded guilty to the charge of careless driving and to endangering the safety of persons on the railway.
Consequences and Sentencing
The crash had serious repercussions beyond the property damage. The court was told the collision resulted in disruption to rail services between Harrogate and York, affecting numerous passengers.
Prosecutor Sarah Tyrer told the court the incident appeared to be caused by 'negligence or incompetence rather than malicious damage'. In defence, Brian Nutteny said Lovatt's actions were a 'momentary lapse' compounded by his attempts to control his dog, describing them as 'neglectful, not deliberate'. He added that Lovatt showed remorse for the crash.
Jody Lovatt now awaits sentencing, which is scheduled to take place at Harrogate Magistrates' Court later this month.
