Lack of sand caused train to overrun station

A runaway commuter train overshot a station by two-and-a-half miles because it did not have any sand on board to help with braking in poor weather.

The 6.45am Southeastern service from Charing Cross to Hastings overran Stonegate station in East Sussex by 2.43 miles on 8 November 2010, just after 8am, even though the driver applied emergency braking, Maidstone Crown Court was told yesterday.

Southeastern pleaded guilty in May. Judge Andrew Patience QC adjourned sentencing.