Trains delayed as Fife man challenges police to fight near railway line

A man who admitted challenging police to fight near a Fife railway line causing trains to be delayed has been placed on an 18-month Community Payback Order.
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Liam Power, of Roadman Cottage, Glenrothes, appeared before Sheriff James Williamson at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

Power, 29, admitted on December 12, 2020 at a point near to Markinch Railway Station he behaved in a threatening manner by repeatedly shouting, swearing, acting in an aggressive manner and repeatedly challenging police officers to fight and refused to desist when requested to do so therefore causing Network Rail trains to be delayed. He also admitted repeatedly striking the interior of a police van.

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He further admitted on the same date and in the same place trespassing on Network Rail land in dangerous proximity to railway lines and occupied trains belonging to Network Rail.

The incident happened near Markinch StationThe incident happened near Markinch Station
The incident happened near Markinch Station

The Procurator Fiscal Depute told the court: “The accused was at the side of the line drinking alcohol.

"He leaned in towards the train and was just missed by it.

"Police were contacted, and the accused was in front of the train holding a can of beer shouting at the driver’s cab.

"The driver was telling him to get off the line, and police tried to coax him from it. He told officers: “I want to fight you, I want the jail.”

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"He continued shouting at officers saying “I am going to break your jaw, I want to fight, I’m going to knock your teeth out”.

"More officers arrived and approached him. He was eventually restrained, cautioned and charged.”

Power’s defence lawyer said: “Things had been going well for him until this incident.

"He has been of good behaviour since and complied with the preparation of a report. He and his partner separated at the time of this incident.”

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Sheriff Williamson told the accused: “Given the background and the fact you have been of good behaviour I am willing to look at an alternative to a custodial sentence.

"But had I heard these circumstances to begin with when this case first called, you would have been going to prison.”

He sentenced him to an 18-month Community Payback Order placing him under supervision and to undertake any work directed by his supervising officer with a review on May 26.

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