A train driver sent a message about the death of Formula 1 commentator Murray Walker moments before crashing into buffers at a railway station, a court heard
The prosecutor said the emergency brakes of the train were applied 18 metres from the start of the platform, with the train travelling at just over 40mph when it went into Kirkby - the Network Rail speed limit for the approach was 15mph.
The court heard Hollis, of Spellow Lane, Liverpool, had been a train driver since 1985 and was regarded as a competent driver by his employers.Sentencing Hollis, Judge David Potter said the train had been going too fast because Hollis was distracted by a combination of receiving and sending WhatsApp messages and leaning out of his cab to retrieve a bag which had fallen onto the floor.
He said:"It's through sheer luck rather than judgement on your part that serious injury was not caused. "You accept that you were distracted by trying to retrieve your bag. You do not dispute that you received and sent a WhatsApp message while driving on the approach to Kirkby station.Patrick Williamson, defending, said Hollis had been diagnosed as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following the crash.
Mr Williamson said:"He, by virtue of this incident, was understandably and properly dismissed, bringing to an end a career of significant credit to him."