A BARROW man who has admitted to obstructing trains by dangling his legs over a bridge caused lengthy train delays, a court heard.

James Thomas Coleman, 45, of Church Street, pleaded guilty to causing obstruction of an engine or carriage using the railway in a hearing at Furness Magistrates Court.

The incident, which took place on August 6 last year, happened after Coleman had been out since around breakfast time drinking with friends.

After drinking most of the day, Coleman then went to the bridge over the railway at Abbey Road, Barrow, at around 7.15pm.

Pam Ward, prosecuting, said: "He was sat on top of the bridge dangling his feet over the edge.

"In interview, he said that he had been out drinking all day with friends and had then gone to the Abbey Road bridge for some time out."

Magistrates heard on Tuesday that, as a result of Coleman dangling his legs over the bridge, trains on the line at that time were subject to delays of around 42 minutes in total.

Furthermore, in an e-mail from an employee at Network Rail, who contribute to the trains running through Barrow, it is claimed that the incident could cost them around £1,675. This figure, however, has not been verified. 

Michael Graham, defending, said: "Mr Coleman wanted some time alone and wanted some time to contemplate his future plans.

"He did not set out to intentionally cause any problems, and he accepts that it was something he should not have done and that it has caused inconvenience to others."

It was heard that Coleman has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and that alcohol featured heavily in his behaviour. 

However, it was also said that he was now engaging well with services to control his drinking.

Presiding magistrate, Lynne Slavin, said: "This is also about the real dangers, too. It is not just inconvenience but the alarm of people and their concerns for your safety."

Coleman was given a six-week curfew order and  ordered to pay compensation of £350, court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £60.