CCTV footage has revealed the moment a train crashed into a van after a reckless delivery driver pulled on to a level crossing and opened its gates by hand.

William Backhouse managed to escape unharmed after the Northern Rail train ploughed into the front of his van at 49mph at Braystones station in Cumbria.

The 30-year-old had arrived at the road crossing at the rail station but failed to spot the approaching locomotive.

Video shows the train then smashing into the Ford Transit leaving the front left of the van destroyed and the bonnet crumpled.

Debris from the van can also be seen covering the tracks and the surrounding road and the line was shut for several hours.

Somehow nobody was injured in the crash on September 13 last year, when Backhouse was delivering parcels in the area.

He was later charged with driving a motor vehicle dangerously and endangering the safety of a person conveyed by the railway.

He has now been found guilty of both charges but spared jail – instead sentenced to eight months in prison suspended for 12 months, at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court.

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William Backhouse managed to escape unharmed after the Northern Rail train ploughed into the front of his van at 49mph at Braystones station in Cumbria

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Video shows the train smashing into the Ford Transit leaving the front left of the van destroyed and the bonnet crumpled

Backhouse, formerly of Carlisle in Cumbria but now living in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, was banned from driving for a year.

He was also told he must pass an extended test before being able to drive again.

And he was ordered to comply with a mental health treatment requirement for 12 months and pay £1,500 in compensation.

A plea hearing last month at Workington Magistrates’ Court heard Backhouse had opened the level crossing gates by hand without ringing the signaller to seek permission to cross.

The train was carrying 10 passengers at the time and the driver managed to hit the emergency brakes.

Police Constable Stewart Simpson, of British Transport Police, said after the case: ‘Backhouse’s careless actions and wanton disregard for safety put his own life and the lives of everyone on the train at risk.

‘The safety procedures are there for a reason, and we will continue to take action against those who try to beat the system or wilfully misuse level crossings.

‘There is never an excuse for ignoring the safety protocols in place at a level crossing.’

He urged witnesses of similar offences to text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40, adding this would help ‘safeguard commuters and take action against negligent drivers’.

Clare Waller, Network Rail route director for the north west, said: ‘Safety on the railway is our highest priority and this kind of reckless behaviour is not only dangerous but can cause significant disruption to passengers.

‘This particular incident has cost the taxpayer thousands of pounds and everyone involved was lucky to escape injury.

‘We will continue to work with our partners to manage level crossings as safely as possible.’