Dog excuse dropped as driver admits fault in Knaresborough station crash

A van driver whose explanation for a dramatic crash at a North Yorkshire railway station initially involved his pet dog has admitted careless driving in court.

Jody Lovatt, 49, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, as well as endangering the safety of people travelling on the railway. The charges relate to an incident at Knaresborough Station last July, when a van rolled away and smashed through level crossing barriers before hitting a station building.

Following the crash, Lovatt had told a BBC reporter at the scene that his French bulldog, Reggie, had chewed through the van’s handbrake cable, causing the vehicle to move. However, in court he accepted responsibility for the incident.

Magistrates heard that the collision occurred early on the morning of 10 July as Lovatt, from Kirkby Malzeard, was driving to work after visiting a gym. His Vauxhall Combi van broke down on Kirkgate near the station, prompting him to get out and attempt to restart it. He then tried to push the vehicle backwards, but it began to roll downhill.

The van passed through the level crossing barriers and eventually came to a stop against a Grade II-listed Victorian signal box. The court was told the incident caused £22,000 worth of damage and significant disruption to rail services on the Harrogate to York line.

CCTV footage shown to the court, captured by cameras at Knaresborough Working Men’s Club, showed Lovatt exiting and re-entering the van while holding his dog on a lead, before jumping clear as the vehicle rolled away.

Prosecutor Sarah Tyrer told the court the incident appeared to be “negligence or incompetence rather than malicious damage”.

Defending Lovatt, Brian Nutteny said his client had been worried the broken-down van would obstruct the road, which was why he attempted to move it. He described the incident as a “momentary lapse”, explaining that Lovatt had been distracted while trying to control his dog and that his actions were “neglectful, not deliberate”. Lovatt was said to be remorseful for the consequences of the crash.

Sentencing was adjourned, with Lovatt due to return to Harrogate Magistrates’ Court later this month.

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