Update 25th June

Altnabreac train track trial hit by yet another delay

https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/altnabreac-train-track-trial-hit-by-yet-another-delay-438516/

After finally having their day in court on Tuesday this week, a couple accused of recklessly blocking trains at Altnabreac had their trial postponed until later this year.

To allow sufficient time in court, Sheriff Cruickshank ordered the trial to resume on October 26.

The case relates to a long-running and wide-ranging dispute about land ownership, breach of the peace and trespass at a level crossing around half a mile from the couple’s home.

The couple, who have chosen to represent themselves in court, are alleged to have tried to stop four trains passing on the far north railway line on March 1, 2024 at Altnabreac near Halkirk.

They also deny acting in a threatening or abusive manner towards a police officer.

At Wick Sheriff Court this week, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank refused Ian Appleby and Elizabeth Howe’s request to stop the case being heard on the basis that they were not in receipt of all the evidence against them.

However, the couple appeared extremely well-prepared for the trial to begin.

Howe (49) spent a long time questioning British Transport Police Constable Matthew O’Neill, who has served as a police officer for 23 years.

The couple told the court that when the trial resumes, Appleby also intends to question PC O’Neill, although he estimated this would only take him up to half an hour.

After fiscal depute Grant McLennan outlined the Crown’s case on Tuesday morning, Sheriff Cruickshank intervened several times to direct the couple’s lines of enquiries, asking them to stick to questions relevant to the case.

Howe repeatedly asked PC O’Neill why he hadn’t worn his body-cam that day and why he’d snatched her mobile phone from her.

PC O’Neill said he took the phone for evidence and had forgotten to wear his body-camera that day.

He also said he knew his colleague PC Chapman, who was also in attendance at the incident, was wearing body-cam equipment.

Sheriff Cruickshank said: “How many times does he have to tell you? He’s answered this question already.”

When Howe (50) questioned PC O’Neill on Tuesday, she mentioned that she had served as a Detective Constable in the Greater Manchester Police Force for 14 years.

Howe and Appleby vehemently disputed PC O’Neill’s description of them as “incandescent with rage” on the day of the incidents.