A FRIEND of a man who died after he was hit by a train stood in front of one himself in an attempt to commit suicide – causing delays costing thousands of pounds.

James Tasker, who appeared before magistrates in Worcester yesterday, admitted causing an obstruction by preventing the movement of trains when he stood on the tracks at Evesham.

The court was told how 27-year-old Tasker, of no fixed address, stood on the railway line on Monday, July 2, causing the delay of trains at Norton railway junction, near Evesham.

Tasker is believed to be a friend of 28-year-old Jaime Harding, of Ronkswood, Worcester. His body was discovered on the rail line near Lark Hill Road railway bridge, off London Road , Worcester, last month.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting, said officers from the British Transport Police were called after being alerted to a man standing in front of a First Great Western train at Evesham train station.

He said: “He admitted he had simply walked off the platform and continued to walk along the railway line. He said he wanted to end his life. He understands his actions caused a number of delays and fully accepts the offence of trespassing on the railway line.”

Following the incident Tasker was taken to Newtown Hospital in Worcester to be assessed by mental health workers but his state of mind was not thought severe enough for him to be sectioned and he was arrested.

Mr Dodson said Tasker’s actions caused delays totalling 367 minutes at a cost of £18,711 although Network Rail are not seeking compensation from him.

Jason Patel, defending, said: “He had a friend who seemed to have everything, who did something very similar and committed suicide on the train tracks. That was a close friend of his. He found this to be a dire situation. It wasn’t a cry for help. It was an action he wished to carry out.”

Mr Patel said the driver of the train, who tried to talk to Tasker, said he appeared “upset, frightened and scared”. Mr Patel said the driver said: “Come on, fellow – you will get hit by a train”, to which Tasker replied: “That’s kind of the idea”.

Magistrates gave him a community order with a single requirement of six months supervision. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs which will be added to the £104 he already owes to the court.