Altnabreac couple to stand trial at Wick – pair deny going on the rails as trains were approaching

A couple living beside a remote railway station in Caithness are alleged to have repeatedly stood on the rail track in the path of oncoming trains.

Ian Appleby (48) and 49-year-old Elizabeth Howe denied the charge at Wick Sheriff Court on Tuesday, when they also pleaded not guilty to subjecting police officers to threatening or abusive behaviour.

They will stand trial in the summer.

The rail charge accuses the pair of having, on March 1, last year, culpably and recklessly and with “utter disregard for the consequences” crossed barriers onto the level crossing at Altnabreac station, and onto the rail track while trains were approaching, to the danger of themselves and passengers and staff on board.

Appleby and Howe, a former police detective, are further alleged to have acted in an aggressive manner towards and sworn at Police Constables Matthew O’Neil and Scott Chapman and struggled with them.

The pair, who live at the former Altnabreac Station House, were granted bail with a condition banning them from the level crossing and the rail track. They will return to court for their trial on June 24.

The prosecution was originally brought on indictment but was subsequently reduced to summary level, meaning the trial will be heard by the sheriff with no jury.