Post by givepeaceachance on Sept 5, 2007 15:49:29 GMT 1
I know people dont want to sit on dirty seats but I thought this was stupid.
Teen's Feet-on-seat Case Thrown Out
A university student who faced a criminal conviction for putting her feet on a train seat has walked free from court.
A tearful Kathleen Jennings was given an absolute discharge by JPs at Chester Magistrates' Court, meaning no criminal offence will be recorded and she will suffer no penalty.
The 19-year-old, who is studying maths, could have had her dreams of becoming a teacher shattered had she been convicted.
She admitted resting her feet on a train seat while on her way home to Oldham in June this year, after being caught by an inspector.
JPs questioned train operator Merseyrail over its "zero tolerance" policy to passengers putting their feet on train seats.
The student's parents, Tony and Susan, broke into a round of applause as the bench's decision was delivered and hugged and kissed their daughter as they left court.
Chairman of the Bench Christine Abrams said: "The bench is united in feeling while this may have been contrary to a by-law, Merseyrail should have a less draconian method for dealing with matters of this nature.
"A fixed penalty system may be more appropriate."
Teen's Feet-on-seat Case Thrown Out
A university student who faced a criminal conviction for putting her feet on a train seat has walked free from court.
A tearful Kathleen Jennings was given an absolute discharge by JPs at Chester Magistrates' Court, meaning no criminal offence will be recorded and she will suffer no penalty.
The 19-year-old, who is studying maths, could have had her dreams of becoming a teacher shattered had she been convicted.
She admitted resting her feet on a train seat while on her way home to Oldham in June this year, after being caught by an inspector.
JPs questioned train operator Merseyrail over its "zero tolerance" policy to passengers putting their feet on train seats.
The student's parents, Tony and Susan, broke into a round of applause as the bench's decision was delivered and hugged and kissed their daughter as they left court.
Chairman of the Bench Christine Abrams said: "The bench is united in feeling while this may have been contrary to a by-law, Merseyrail should have a less draconian method for dealing with matters of this nature.
"A fixed penalty system may be more appropriate."
