Train copper cable thieves jailed

Three men who stole copper signalling cable, disrupting trains in the St Helens area, have each been jailed for 28 days.

Liverpool Crown Court heard the trio were traced when police called to the scene found a probation appointment letter belonging to one of the group.

The three admitted stealing cable from the Lea Green area of the town and obstructing a railway engine.

Judge David Aubrey, QC, said this type of crime "would not be tolerated."

Officers were called to the area on 9 February because of a signalling failure which automatically happened when the copper cabling was cut.

The court heard that 2,000m of cable worth almost £15,000 had been stolen but the trio pleaded guilty to stealing just 15m worth just £150.

The signalling failure led to four trains being disrupted for almost half an hour.