A man who crashed through a level crossing barrier near Raynes Park station has been disqualified from driving for four years.

Following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation, David Morley, 25, of Farley Road, South Croydon, appeared at Blackfriars Crown Court on Tuesday, 25 January.

Morley had already pleading guilty to dangerous driving and failing to report a road traffic collision at an earlier hearing.

He was also given a six-month suspended prison sentence.

The incident took place just thirty seconds before a train was due to go through the crossing. It caused £4,000 damage and cost Network Rail £6,000 in train delays.

He will also pay over £4200 compensation to Network Rail for the damage and delays caused, as well as £500 court costs.

The court heard the incident took place around 9.20am on August 26 last year as Morley approached the level crossing on West Barnes Lane in a Ford Transit van.

Despite the warning lights flashing and siren sounding, Morley drove through the crossing, causing the barrier to become entangled with his vehicle’s roof rack.

The collision tore the barrier from its mountings and it was left laying on the track.

Morley continued through the crossing and stopped around 100 metres down the road to inspect the damage to his vehicle before driving away.

Morley was subsequently identified as the driver and was arrested.

PC Chris Shepherd, the investigating officer, said: “I would like to pass my thanks to the eagle-eyed member of the public who witnessed and reported the incident, as it was with their help that we were able to identify Morley as being responsible.

“Morley’s actions were reckless and dangerous, not least considering he collided with the barrier fewer than 30 seconds before a train was due to pass through."

In addition, Morley was given a six-month curfew, requiring him to remain at home between 9pm and 5am.