Train services had to be stopped after an Amazon delivery driver attempted a three point turn on a level crossing. 

Network Rail was forced to place an emergency “full block” on all services between Norwich and Wymondham after a train driver reported a near miss at the unmanned crossing at Eaton Vale.

Norwich Magistrates Court heard van driver Liam Callaghan, 31, got his van’s wheels stuck in a cattle grid while he was attempting to turn around on the track at the bottom of Church Lane, which is a dead end.

Eastern Daily Press: The Eaton Vale crossing where van driver Liam Callaghan attempted a three-point turnThe Eaton Vale crossing where van driver Liam Callaghan attempted a three-point turn (Image: Google)

He had been facing a sentence of up to two years in prison. 

But despite telling him the “risks you caused were enormous”, magistrates ordered he pay Network Rail compensation of £775.

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Prosecutor Sally Harris said Callaghan had told police he had been fearful of getting stuck on the unlit single-track dirt track leading to a dead-end at the isolated level crossing as he attempted to make a delivery on January 11. 

Eastern Daily Press: Trains were stopped between Norwich and Wymondham after the Amazon van got stuck at the crossingTrains were stopped between Norwich and Wymondham after the Amazon van got stuck at the crossing (Image: Getty Images)

Instead of reversing he had opened the crossing gates and pulled onto the rail line which he thought was clear, she said.

The fire service eventually had to pull the van clear of the line. 

“There was clearly a huge danger to carrying out a turn in this location but he still chose to go ahead anyway,” she added.

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Appearing in court, Callaghan, of Bush Road in Hellesdon, pleaded guilty to causing an obstruction on a rail line.

Eastern Daily Press: Wally with brolly: Liam Callaghan leaving Norwich Magistrates CourtWally with brolly: Liam Callaghan leaving Norwich Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

Lisa Robinson, mitigating, said: “It was pitch black with no street lights and he had never delivered to this location before. 

“He was very worried that he would not be able to get back up the hill in reverse. The potential consequences did not occur to him.”

She added: “He is completely mortified and embarrassed. This is a man of good character who was doing a job but who got in a pickle.”