Albany train jumpers labelled ‘idiots’ by magistrate

Two Albany men who drunkenly boarded a moving CBH grain train from Albany with a plan of riding it to Perth have been labelled ‘idiots’ by a magistrate this morning.

Vincent Oliver Mieschbuhler and Matthew Smedley Darby appeared in Albany Magistrates Court today charged with trespassing by police after being caught in Cranbrook riding the train on March 4.

Prosecuting Sergeant Mike Russell told the court the two men made a “spontaneous alcohol effected decision” to climb the slow moving train at York Street in Albany in the early hours of the morning.

The court heard the men were perched precariously on the train for two hours as it reached speeds up to 80km/h until they were spotted by the train driver who initiated an emergency stop in Cranbrook.

Sgt Russell said Mr Mieschbuhler and Mr Darby were found “cold, tired and disoriented and regretting their impulsive decision.”

Representing himself, Mr Darby pleaded guilty to one count of trespassing and offered no explanation for his offending to visiting Magistrate Leanne Atkins who labelled his behaviour “idiotic”.

Ms Atkins adjourned the matter to offer Mr Darby an opportunity to seek a spent conviction order.

Mr Mieschbuhler, who appeared next, did not plead to the charge of trespassing after Ms Atkins questioned if he was the “other half of this idiotic behaviour.”

His charge was adjourned for legal advice.

Both men will reappear in court on May 10.