A TRACTOR driver's attempt to jump red warning lights on a level crossing near Brampton ended disastrously as the descending barrier collided with his cab.

A district judge told 20-year-old Sam Beard that his risky attempt to get over the crossing as its alarm sounded and its red lights flashed to warn of an approaching train could easily have ended with a disaster that would have earned him a prison sentence.

The tractor roof's collision with the barriers at the Low Row level crossing caused more than £3,000 worth of damage, Carlisle's Rickergate court heard.

The defendant, of Roweltown, north of Carlisle, admitted dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident.

Prosecutor Pam Ward described how a signalman was on duty at the crossing on the evening of June 1 when he was notified of an approaching train.

From his signal box, the man checked the road, noticing two tractors were already approaching the crossing and had sufficient time to clear it, said Mrs Ward.

When the road was clear, he initiated the alarm system – consisting of an audible alarm and flashing lights. But after this began, the signalman noticed a blue tractor approaching the crossing.

"It was showing no sign of stopping or slowing down," said Mrs Ward. The crossing red lights and the barriers began to fall into place – but the tractor kept coming.

As the tractor reached the crossing, the descending barrier hit the tractor cab, damaging it so badly that much of it had to be replaced.

Despite the collision, the tractor driver simply kept going, driving away. Network Rail had to introduce an emergency 5mph speed limit, which remained as repair work was carried out, delaying the trains.

When interviewed by British Transport Police, Beard explained that he was helping out with farm-work on the day in question and, at the end of his shift, he was part of a convoy of three tractors.

As he drove just before the accident, he had been concentrating on the two tractors ahead of him.

"He wasn't paying attention to the level crossing," said Mrs Ward. "He said he suddenly realised that the lights were flashing and he panicked."

Beard said he was worried about losing the other two tractors but he now knew that his decision to keep going was wrong. "He couldn't believe it had happened and was in shock at what had happened. It wasn't an intentional act."

Gail Heard, for Beard, said she agreed with the Probation Service assessment of the defendant which concluded that he was "not worldly wise."

"He's a very young 20-year-old, inexperienced in most matters," said the lawyer.

Losing his licence would involve the loss of his job, she said, handing the court character references.

District Judge John Temperley told Beard: "There was considerable risk.

"You are very lucky you are not standing in this courtroom facing a much more serious charge. On the evidence I've heard and read, the warning lights were active for at least 12 seconds before the barrier started to lower.

"But I accept this was a poor error of judgement. There's no suggestion of somebody speeding on the road and simply choosing to take a risk."

The judge added: "It could have been so much worse." He banned Beard for a year and imposed a 12-week 7pm to 7am tagged curfew. The defendant must also pay compensation of £3,303 to Network Rail.

After his ban, he will have to take an extended retest before being allowed back on the road unaccompanied.