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15/11/2012
5 Years For Train Guard Responsible For Death Of Teen
A railway guard has been sentenced to five years in jail for causing the death of a teenager who went under a train at a Liverpool station.
16-year-old Georgia Varley died when she fell between the carriage and platform at James Street station in October 2011.
Christopher McGee, 45, had denied manslaughter but was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday.
Sentencing him, Mr Justice Holroyde said McGee displayed an "appalling disregard" for Georgia's safety.
McGee signalled for the driver to depart as Georgia, who was drunk, stood on the platform leaning against the train.
McGee had told the jury he did not know how drunk she had been and thought she was moving away from the train when he gave the signal to depart.
However, during the two-week trial, the prosecution said McGee should have been able to see she was in an "intoxicated state".
The jury unanimously found McGee, of Wallasey, Wirral, guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence.
Mr Justice Holroyde told him: "Georgia's life was ended in a dreadful way at the age of just 16 by your gross negligence.
"You did not intend to kill or even injure her, but you displayed an appalling disregard for her safety, and she paid for your criminal negligence with her life."
The judge added: "Much has been made on your behalf during this trial of how intoxicated Georgia was but that did not relieve you of the duty of care which you owed to her.
"Your decision and your action determined whether Georgia Varley was safe from risk."
(H/GK)
16-year-old Georgia Varley died when she fell between the carriage and platform at James Street station in October 2011.
Christopher McGee, 45, had denied manslaughter but was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday.
Sentencing him, Mr Justice Holroyde said McGee displayed an "appalling disregard" for Georgia's safety.
McGee signalled for the driver to depart as Georgia, who was drunk, stood on the platform leaning against the train.
McGee had told the jury he did not know how drunk she had been and thought she was moving away from the train when he gave the signal to depart.
However, during the two-week trial, the prosecution said McGee should have been able to see she was in an "intoxicated state".
The jury unanimously found McGee, of Wallasey, Wirral, guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence.
Mr Justice Holroyde told him: "Georgia's life was ended in a dreadful way at the age of just 16 by your gross negligence.
"You did not intend to kill or even injure her, but you displayed an appalling disregard for her safety, and she paid for your criminal negligence with her life."
The judge added: "Much has been made on your behalf during this trial of how intoxicated Georgia was but that did not relieve you of the duty of care which you owed to her.
"Your decision and your action determined whether Georgia Varley was safe from risk."
(H/GK)
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