A Berkeley man accused of causing a passenger train to derail at Kembla Grange remains in custody after his arrest this week.
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The matter of Allan Martin Simpson was mentioned at Wollongong Local Court on Thursday, but the 47-year-old did not appear, choosing to remain in the holding cells below the courthouse while his lawyer spoke on his behalf.
His lawyer did not apply for his release on bail.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Rachel Biffin said police had referred the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Simpson was arrested in Duley Street, Dapto on Wednesday, one week after the incident that left the train driver and three passengers with minor injuries.
A four-carriage passenger train travelling north derailed at 4.05am on Wednesday, October 20 just outside the station after it hit an unoccupied van on the tracks.
The front carriage detached from the others, came off the tracks and rolled onto its side.
Thirteen people had to be helped from the train, including the driver, who was trapped for some time before rescue crews freed him.
He and three others were treated at hospital for minor injuries.
Surrounding infrastructure was also damaged in the crash.
The van left on the tracks had allegedly been stolen from a Flinders address earlier that same morning.
Police established a crime scene and began an investigation into the incident, issuing a warrant for Simpson two days later.
Following his arrest Simpson was charged with take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, two counts of destroy or damage property, larceny, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, endanger safety of person on railway, cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock, enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, and breach bail.
Simpson will face court again in November.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
