Northwich man died after being hit by train in Winsford

An inquest today (March 8), at Warrington Coroners Court, heard Thomas Baker was killed at Winsford station on September 22, 2019.

The 24-year-old, of Pimlocks Grove, Hartford, is described as someone who 'loved life' and 'wore his heart on his sleeve'.

The distribution operator at Tiger Trailers was a regular in the Brighton Belle pub in Winsford, located near the town’s train station.

The pub’s general manager, Amy Worthington, said she had never known him to cause any trouble.

But that evening, Thomas was seen headbutting a wooden post outside the pub as well as a glass panel window inside.

He left the premises only to return a short while later, but was denied entry by Ms Worthington, who called the police due to concerns for his and her staff's welfare.

Tom Baker and his sister Natalie

Thomas then made his way to the tracks at Winsford station and within minutes Cheshire Police arrived.

Sergeant James Elliott told the court he and his colleagues tried to persuade Thomas to get off the tracks, as there wasn’t much time until the next train was due.

He added: “I really hoped he’d make it off. It all happened so quick.”

Although the process of putting a track stop in place had been made by the police, there was not enough time before tragedy struck.

The driver of the non-stopping Virgin train, which was travelling at 115mph, engaged the emergency break immediately after seeing Thomas on the tracks. It took more than 40 seconds for the train to stop.

Thomas' mum Elizabeth told the court: “He always wore his heart on his sleeve and always wanted to make people happy.

“He had a love of music and would write and sing his own rap songs.

“He loved life and was always bubbly with a cheeky smile.”

The inquest heard how Thomas had a history of low mood and depression and had been referred to services to help him from as early as 2014.

Assistant coroner Jean Harkin concurred with the cause of death being multiple injuries and provided a conclusion of misadventure.

She said: “Thomas was making his way off the track when he was hit.

“He did put himself on the track but didn’t intend the consequences.

“It’s clear from the evidence there are protocols in place for the safety of officers and workers not to go on to the tracks until a track stop is in place.

“Calls were being made to do just that when the train struck Thomas.

“Everything that could have been done, was done.

“This has clearly been a very traumatic experience for all concerned.”