Violent Attack Sparks Rail Mayhem
Gary Cawthorne, 40, from Norfolk Park Road, Sheffield, is behind bars after causing a massive disruption at Sheffield railway station. The trouble kicked off when Cawthorne launched an unprovoked punch at a man, splitting his lip around 4pm on 16 January 2025.
Railway Near Shutdown as Man Goes on Rampage
A British Transport Police (BTP) PCSO tracked down Cawthorne on a waiting train. When officers asked him to step off for questioning, he bolted onto the tracks. In a desperate bid to escape, Cawthorne climbed a tall electrical box and armed himself with a railway bolt, swinging it wildly at both officers and paramedics.
His dangerous antics forced a full stop on rail operations to protect lives. The standoff dragged on for four hours before he finally surrendered and was arrested.
Result: Chaos for Thousands
- 36 trains cancelled
- 65 trains have been partially cancelled
- Over 50 hours of delays across the network
Cawthorne pleaded guilty to Obstructing the Railway, Affray, and Assault. On 6 March, he was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at Sheffield Crown Court.
Official Reactions Slam the “Reckless” Offender
BTP Sergeant Roy Percival: “Cawthorne now has plenty of time to think about his reckless actions that endangered himself and others. Thousands were affected, and this sentence sends a clear warning that such behaviour leads straight to jail.”
Karen Duffy, Network Rail Operations Director: “Trespassing on railways is extremely dangerous—not just for the trespasser but also for emergency teams. We welcome this sentencing and hope it highlights that this kind of chaos will not be tolerated.”
