A “career criminal” has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after causing over £72,000 worth of damage to a railway line in Wales. Zack Kingsley, 26, was caught red-handed stripping cable from railway tracks around Llandarcy, leading to significant costs for repair and restoration.
Swansea Crown Court heard that Kingsley, described as a “career criminal,” had embarked on an expedition to steal cables from the railways. Despite crashing the van he was using at the trackside and attempting to flee, he was apprehended by police with the assistance of a police dog.
The theft of cables from the railways was highlighted as “something of an epidemic” by the judge, who emphasised the importance of immediate custody for those involved in such crimes. Kingsley’s actions resulted in a substantial financial impact, with repair costs exceeding the scrap value of the stolen cable by a significant margin.
Kingsley, a Cardiff resident with a history of previous convictions, pleaded guilty to theft and taking a vehicle without consent. The court heard that he was under the influence of cocaine at the time of the offence. His defence lawyer stated that he had since distanced himself from negative influences and drug use.
Despite his criminal record, Kingsley was granted a reduced sentence due to delays in prosecution. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with the possibility of being released on licence after serving half of his term. The judge reiterated the severity of cable theft from railways and stressed the need for a strong deterrent against such criminal activities.
The incident occurred on December 6, 2022, when British Transport Police responded to reports of a cable theft from railway tracks in Llandarcy. Kingsley was caught in possession of stolen cables and tools after attempting to flee from officers. His father confirmed that the van used in the theft belonged to him and that Kingsley did not have permission to use it.
The judge expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of cable theft on railways and underscored the detrimental impact it has on the transportation infrastructure. Kingsley’s sentencing serves as a warning to others involved in similar criminal activities that immediate custody awaits those who engage in theft from railway networks.
As the judicial system continues to address such crimes, the case of Zack Kingsley stands as a reminder of the serious consequences that career criminals face when perpetrating theft and vandalism on essential public infrastructure. The sentencing decision aims to deter future offenders and protect critical railway networks from further harm.