I know this is not GNER but the story sends a shiver down my spine.

I bet they would not do it if it were a thug threatening to kick their teeth in. Where are the brave guards then?

student is being prosecuted after she briefly put her flip-flops up on a train seat.

Despite immediately apologising to the “rail enforcement” officer who reported her, Kathleen Jennings, 19, has been summoned to appear before magistrates today.

Miss Jennings, who is studying mathematics at Manchester University, has been accused of “wilfully interfering with the comfort or convenience” of other rail passengers.

Miss Jennings, a Cub Scout leader who also works with disabled children, said that she had just put the tips of her flip-flops on the unoccupied seat in front of her when the official approached her and said to her, “Are you comfortable?”.

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She said last night of the incident in June: “I said sorry and moved my feet back to the floor. Then he said that he wanted to see me when I got off the train. I got off the train at Chester and he was waiting on the side. I was scared throughout the journey.”

On the platform, Miss Jennings, who lives in Oldham, was given an official caution by the Merseyrail enforcement officer, who noted down her description, phone number and occupation. She later received the summons to appear before magistrates in Chester.

Miss Jennings added: “I was crying my eyes out. I am not the sort of person who would do anything wrong. I have never been in trouble before and, working with children, I do not want a criminal record.”

She could face a fine and prosecution costs of up to £150 on top of her own legal bills.

Her father, Tony, said: “It’s ridiculous. Why couldn’t a fixed-penalty notice be given? She could end up with a criminal record on her CV, which could affect her future. It’s madness.

“Kathleen has always been an A* student and is a good, considerate girl. She’s never been in trouble.”

Merseyrail is the only rail company that prosecutes passengers for putting their feet on seats. It has taken about 250 people to court since its scheme began in February.

In May Babiker Fadol, 45, from Chester was prosecuted for the same offence. He admitted the charge and was given a one-year conditional discharge with £50 costs.

A company spokesman said yesterday that it could not comment on the individual case because of the impending court proceedings, but that the policy had been widely publicised through signs and loudspeaker announcements.

It has previously said that the policy was introduced to tackle antisocial behaviour and in response to “passenger feedback”. Enforcement officers use closed-circuit television “head cams” to provide evidence for prosecutions based on railway by-laws.

The company also has spent £32 million refurbishing its fleet.

It was indeed a shambles at Peterborough station on Sunday afternoon, the first southbound departure booked to call was the 1319 which was announced as not stopping although it did eventually stop at platform 4 at about 1350,this being due to the rail replacement buses being stood down earlier and no alternative transport being available, no chance in hell of getting on it was wedged, as were the following three trains which all arrived on Platform 4, of course leaving south from Platform 4 or 5 is not straightforward as this is not a normally permitted movement and involved Network Rail providing two signallers to control train movements southwards, average delay was 45-100 minuteds in each direction and no Leeds service ran until late afternoon. Network Rail were working in platform 2 relaying some track and they did't have the line open until half past 5, some 4 hours later than planned! Be warned the same engineering work is planned this weekend from late Saturday afternoon until Sunday lunchtime, check your trains.

I read the story about the feet on seats lady. Oh dear I think that perhaps a polite ticking off would be sufficient. I think that the authorities have bigger things to worry about surely.

Sunday. Another bad day. The 0910 was cancelled in order to keep the number of trains going through the area where the lines are down to a minimum, with the lines being down on one side all trains will need to use the same track which causes congestion. Southbound trains were already using platform 4 at Peterborough which causes enough disruption the overhed situation just makes things worse. The engineering work at Peterborough was running two hours early until workers managed to put a hole in a water main which then set them back considerably.

yes the poor little love she only had her flips flops on the seat and she has now been done by an over zealous guard....GOOD.

There are notices everywhere on the train stating that they will crack down on passengers who put there feet on seats, i assume as Miss Jenning is a straight "A" student that she is able to read or does she think that this rule does not apply to her.

And is Miss Jennings the "Cub Scout leader" that considerate, to be putting her dirty shoes on seats where people have to sit? ask your selves this if she had accidently picked up some dogs mess or chewing gum and you had sat on the seat opposite this young lady and the offending stuff had been transfered to your work trousers or skirt knowing that you had to spend the rest of the day with this offensive mess on your clothes would you say "oh the poor little love, i have mess all over my clothes but hey she is a straight A student and a considerate cub scout leader"?.

Maybe next time she and others who persist on putting their dirty shoes on seats on any trains may now think twice about doing so.

report a thug threatning to "kick your head in" and ill deal with them too and if i cant thats why we have B.T.P
(British Transport Police)

Wolfie, Surly your not so sanctimonious? Fining people £150 and giving some them or adding to a criminal record for simply putting feet on chairs (something everyone of us including you has done at some point) is just out of order. I see people doing it weekly and I don't see you or any other guards for that matter rushing to issue a prosecution. I have seen plenty of guards look the other way or say nowt though.