Train drivers 'blinded' by laser

The drivers suffered temporary blindness

Two train drivers were blinded when youths shone a laser light into their eyes, a court in Cardiff was told.

Both drivers suffered eye damage but managed to bring their speeding trains safely to a halt.

Cardiff Crown Court heard the safety of hundreds of commuters had been put at risk by the "act of lunacy" at Newport railway station.

Phillip Pearse, 20, and a 16-year-old youth both admitted two charges of endangering the safety of railway passengers.

The court heard the pair were on the platform at Newport railway station when they shone the red laser at two trains.

Drivers Michael Jonah and Timothy Reiffer suffered temporary blindness and were treated in hospital for blurred vision and sore eyes.

Passengers transferred

Prosecutor Leighton Hughes said: "The pair were on the platform and both of them had a laser light. They have now recognised the recklessness of their behaviour."

Passengers on the Swansea to Paddington First Great Western train and a Crewe to Cardiff Wales and Borders train had to be transferred to other transport.

Cardiff Crown Court heard the laser lights were identified as an experts as "optical hazards".

Pearse, of Caldicot, near Newport, south Wales, and the teenager who cannot be named because of his age, will be sentenced later this month.

Elaine Wilde, spokeswoman for First Great Western, said later: "We are pleased a prosecution took place. These laser pens cause temporary blindness and, in the worst case, permanent damage. Drivers should not have to put up with it."

A spokeswoman for Wales and Borders said: "This was a particularly vicious attack which not only resulted in distress to our staff but also inconvenience for our customers."