Network Rail admits crash guilt

Network Rail will admit health and safety breaches over the Grayrigg rail crash in Cumbria that killed a woman and injured more than 80 people five years ago.

Appearing at Lancaster magistrates' court yesterday, lawyers for the rail operator indicated that the company would plead guilty to breaches in relation to the derailment of a Virgin train on the West Coast Main Line. Margaret Masson, 84, from Glasgow, died from multiple injuries, and 86 passengers and two crew were injured.

In November, an inquest jury found poorly maintained points were to blame. The case will now be heard at Preston Crown Court, where Network Rail will face a fine.