Ipswich Magistrates' Court where Hassan was fined £400

A 55-year-old lorry driver is today out of pocket after he drove across a railway level crossing while the red light was flashing and damaged a barrier.

Zacarias Hassan, who gave his address as a boarding house at Eton College, admitted driving his Skania lorry through the Gipping Road level crossing at Great Blakenham on June 27 this year.

At South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court in Ipswich yesterday, he pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the indication given by a red light traffic signal and was fined £400.

Prosecuting, Lesla Small, said: “He was driving a Skania lorry and failed to stop at a flashing red light. His vehicle collided with a barrier, causing it to break. He then continued with his journey but returned ten minutes later.”

Police arrived at the scene where they later arrested Hassan on his return.

The court was told that although Hassan admitted to police officers that he had heard the noise emitting from the flashing lights, he panicked and still drove through. However as he was worried about any potential damage, he returned to the scene shortly afterwards.

Representing himself, Hassan said: “I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I was distracted.”

He was fined £300, had to pay £85 in costs and £15 victim surcharge.

His licence, which was previously clean, was endorsed with three penalty points.