New evidence halts inquest into Frampton Mansell farmer's death

A coroner and jury were due to spend three days considering the case of Colin Cameron, 60 of Bisley Road, Stroud, who died on February 7 last year as he used the unmanned crossing on his land at Frampton Mansell, near Cirencester. One of his dogs was also killed.

During a pre-inquest hearing earlier this year it emerged that Mr Cameron had stopped at the crossing in his Landrover and had spoken to the nearest signalman.

It was alleged he was given the all clear to cross but was then hit by a train.

Today Gloucestershire coroner Katie Skerrett was told by lawyers in the case that there was new evidence which the inquest should hear.

After hearing submissions she reluctantly postponed the full inquest to give time for new witnesses to provide statements and to give evidence when the inquest is concluded in April/May next year.

Apologising to all interested parties and to the family she said postponing was not a decision she took lightly but it was necessary to ensure they had all relevant evidence so all questions were answered.

"It is important to the family" she said.

A post-mortem into Mr Cameron’s death has revealed he died from multiple injuries.

After the tragedy the vice chairman of Sapperton and Frampton Mansell parish council Charles Houldsworth called for extra safety measures at the crossing

Following the death of motorcyclist Paul Martin on the crossing in 2014 safety recommendations made by investigators were put into operation but Mr Houldsworth has said more is needed to prevent further tragedies.

The Sapperton crossing had been used for a trial of a new system whereby there would be a red light showing on the crossing at all times and a driver would have to get out and press a button,whereupon the light would turn green if it was safe to cross, he said.

However, that had not been adopted because it was 'found not to have the safety integrity required.'