From the
BTP▸ press release:
A young Liverpool couple, described by a coroner as ^the closest thing to Romeo and Juliet I have experienced in my court^ died after attempting to daub graffiti on the railway.
Inquests into the death of Steven Longstaffe (22) and Megan McAuley (20), held earlier today, Wednesday, 18 August at Liverpool Coroners^ Court, heard the couple had scaled a 20 foot high wall and evaded razor wire with the intention of carrying out vandalism at warehouses near to Sprainger Street, Liverpool.
But, before they had the chance to spray their ^tags^ on railway property, Steven fell through a roof and died as a result of his injuries.
Just one day later Megan took her own life, stating in a note: ^m really sorry, but I^m in a better place and with the man I love. I^ve never been so happy since I met Ste.^
Now, in a bid to prevent further tragedy, British Transport Police and the Coroner for Liverpool, Mr Andre Rebello, are warning others to steer clear of the railways.
Speaking at the inquest Mr Rebello said: ^It is important that we understand exactly what happened, how future fatalities can be avoided and also for society to learn lessons. This tragic loss of two young lives is devastating not just for family and friends, but also for society. Their lives have ended because of trespass."
He added: ^It is clear from my investigations that Steven and Megan were a special couple and in Megan^s view Steven was everything to her. They are the closest thing to Romeo and Juliet I have experienced in my court.^
Detective Chief Inspector Malcolm McKinnon said: ^Graffiti on the railways is an ongoing concern for the public, the police and the railways. The railway is a dangerous environment and those trespassing on railway property to commit criminal damage are, as this case has clearly shown, putting their own lives in danger."
Trains travel in excess of 85mph on the railway across the region and this, coupled with the electrical currents which run through the line and overhead wires, creates a potentially lethal environment for those who should not be there.
DCI McKinnon added: ^Railway workers and BTP officers have extensive training in how to deal with the railway and procedures are in place to keep them safe whenever they have to go lineside. When people trespass on the railway ^ a place they have no right to be ^ they take their life into their own hands as train drivers and signal staff will have no idea they are on the tracks and therefore cannot take steps to keep them safe.^
Those who ignore the warnings and insist on trespassing to daub graffiti can expect to be prosecuted and put before the courts.
DCI McKinnon said: ^Graffiti is not, as many vandals think, a victimless crime. The victims are the rail companies, the general public who pay for the clean-up of trains and property through increased rail fares and sadly, in some cases, the families who have to deal with the grief caused when there is a loss of life. It is estimated that graffiti costs the industry more than ^5million each year and because of this, and the risks to safety, is something BTP takes extremely seriously. We have officers who specialise in investigating graffiti and we do not hesitate to take action against those caught vandalising railway property.^
When prosecuted, vandals can expect sentences ranging from hefty fines and compensation orders to prison sentences.
DCI McKinnon added: ^During the past few months in Merseyside we have seen a range of sentencing including fines, suspended sentences and one youth was even ordered to pay more that ^5,000 in compensation. Across the force there have been prison sentences of up to 18 months for those who insist on defacing railway property.^
Gemma Duffy, Network Rail community safety manager said: ^This is an extremely tragic incident that sadly brings home the realities that trespassing on the railway can carry. What happened here sends a very clear message ^ the railway is a dangerous place for those that aren^t meant to be there. Losing your life is the highest price to pay however being caught trespassing or spraying graffiti also carries tough sentences. People need stop for a moment to a think about the possible outcome of their actions so this type of incident that can be avoided in future.^
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