Top-Security Prison Chaplain Demolished Level-Crossing Barrier While Setting-Off On Hols

The prison chaplain of top-security HMP Belmarsh has been convicted of careless driving after demolishing a level-crossing barrier while setting-off on holiday with his wife.

Reverend Trevor Jacquet, 59, drove through flashing red lights as the warning siren sounded and the barrier was severely damaged when it came down on the fully-loaded trailer he was towing behind his VW Transporter.

Jacquet, of Scawen Road, Deptford was found guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court and fined £265, with £85 costs, plus a £26 victim surcharge and received four penalty points for the offence at North Sheen level crossing, Manor Road on July 26, 2013.

"As a result of this conviction he will be investigated by his employers at Belmarsh and I ask you to take that into consideration," Mr. Peter Dahlsen, defending, told the magistrates today. 

One witness said Jacquet, who was travelling to the west: "Just went for it," as the warning lights signalling an approaching train began flashing.

However, the pony-tailed padre, who was cleared of the more serious offence of dangerous driving claimed his windows were all closed with the air conditioning on and he heard no siren or saw any flashing lights.

"He is a responsible man with a committed and responsible vocation in life," Mr. Dahlsen told the court. "He's given evidence on oath and swore on the bible before yourselves and his maker."

The Crown Prosecution Service pushed for a dangerous driving conviction and prosecutor Miss Thea Viney said: "Reverend Jacquet's driving fell well below that expected of a careful and competent driver.

"The Crown say that when dealing with a level crossing the driver has to be aware of the signs and the lights and must ensure there is space and time for him to get to the other side, particularly as he had a trailer behind him.

"He ought to have seen the lights and heard the sirens and the other drivers in the queue said the defendant should have seen the lights."