UK - Sex act at controls of Virgin train

[John Ashworth]

Sex act at wheel [sic] of Virgin train

By BEN ASHFORD
The Sun
Published: 18 Jul 2009

A TRAIN driver faces the sack over claims he was caught pleasuring himself at the controls of a 125mph locomotive.

The randy railway worker is accused of ogling porn and performing a sex act while operating on one of the country's busiest lines.

A colleague allegedly wandered into his cabin mid-journey and spotted that his privates were exposed.

The driver approached bosses himself when details of his antics circulated among staff.

Virgin Trains have suspended him pending a disciplinary hearing. He is likely to be sacked if the allegations are proven.

A source close to the probe said: "He was considered a reliable driver but his career looks like it has hit the buffers.

"He had no choice but to inform bosses himself when it got around the depot. A train manager is said to have walked in to his cabin to find him gazing at a porno.

Amusing

"Some colleagues found it amusing. But there could have been more than 400 passengers on that train and it's difficult to see how he could have been concentrating fully on the controls."

Drivers' cabins on the majority of Virgin trains have tinted windows.

Front windscreens are transparent but the cabin position makes it difficult for passengers to see inside.

Modern trains are designed to safely stop themselves if a driver becomes distracted or incapacitated and doesn't touch the controls for several minutes.

A Virgin Trains spokesperson refused to discuss the incident that happened earlier this week.

He said: "In order to properly observe due process, Virgin Trains is not able to comment on suggestions that disciplinary action may be pending against staff."