Smoker jailed after Farningham Road railway push

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CCTV shows the moment Ionel Rapisca pushed Linda Buchanan off the platform at Farningham Road station in August 2008

A man who pushed a woman on to a live railway track after a row about him smoking has been jailed for four years.

Ionel Rapisca, 33, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm by shoving Linda Buchanan off the platform at Farningham Road, Kent, in August 2008.

The court heard Ms Buchanan, 59, landed close to a 750-volt live rail, breaking her wrist.

Judge Charles Macdonald QC told Mr Rapisca, of Joyce Green Lane, Dartford, it was a case of "rail rage".

Rapisca was cleared of causing grievous bodily harm with intent but convicted of an alternative charge of causing grievous bodily harm after more than three hours of deliberation by the jury.

My intention was only ever to politely explain to Mr Rapisca that it is against the law to smoke at this station Linda Buchanan

Judge Macdonald said Rapisca would serve half his sentence in prison and the remaining half on licence but would be liable for recall if he reoffends.

During the trial the court heard that senior management consultant Ms Buchanan warned Rapisca not to smoke at the station, telling him: "I don't like the smell of cancer."

The following day, on 6 August 2008, Ms Buchanan encountered the carpenter again as she waited for the 0712 BST service.

The trial at Maidstone Crown Court heard that Rapisca made an "obscene noise" with his mouth before shoving her on to the track with both hands.

The attack was captured on CCTV.

This was a very grave crime. You could easily have killed this victim. As it is, her career is over Judge Charles Macdonald QC

Ms Buchanan suffered a fractured wrist in the attack, severe bruising to her thigh, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder.

The victim told the court she thought Rapisca was going to jump on to the tracks to "finish me off" but instead he dragged her on to the platform.

Rapisca's brother-in-law, who was also at the station, retrieved her mobile phone before both men fled.

Ms Buchanan was made redundant in 2008 following a review by her employer, which Judge Charles Macdonald QC linked to the stress disorder she suffered as a result of the fall.

Ionel Rapisca was jailed for four years for the attack

Jailing Rapisca, the judge told him: "This was a very grave crime. You could easily have killed this victim.

"As it is, her career is over and she has an enduring psychiatric illness."

Ms Buchanan, who was not in court, said in a statement: "I am delighted with the result of the court case today and glad to have closure after 18 months.

"My intention was only ever to politely explain to Mr Rapisca that it is against the law to smoke at this station and I remain incredibly shocked how this resulted in such an unprovoked attack of violence."

She added: "This had a major impact on my life and I now look forward to moving on to the next chapter."