A train driver sent a message about the death of Formula 1 commentator Murray Walker moments before crashing into buffers at a railway station, a court heard.

Former Merseyrail driver Phillip Hollis, 59, was in the cab of a six-car train when it ploughed into the end of the line at Kirkby in March last year, causing £450,000 worth of damage.

He was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to endangering the safety of people conveyed by railway at an earlier hearing.

Prosecutor David Polglase said a review of Hollis’s phone showed a WhatsApp message received at 6.28pm said: “RIP Murray.”

At 6.51pm – one minute before the train was due to arrive in Kirkby from Liverpool Central- Hollis sent a message in reply which said: “A great commentator.”

Mr Polglase said the message was a reference to legendary motor racing commentator Murray Walker, whose death aged 97 had been reported that day.

Twelve passengers and a train guard were on board at the time but there were no injuries, the court heard.

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‘Sheer luck rather than judgement that serious injury was not caused’

The prosecutor said the emergency brakes of the train were applied 18 metres from the start of the platform, with the train travelling at just over 40mph when it went into Kirkby – the Network Rail speed limit for the approach was 15mph.

The court heard Hollis, of Spellow Lane, Liverpool, had been a train driver since 1985 and was regarded as a competent driver by his employers.

Sentencing Hollis, Judge David Potter said the train had been going too fast because Hollis was distracted by a combination of receiving and sending WhatsApp messages and leaning out of his cab to retrieve a bag which had fallen onto the floor.

He said: “It’s through sheer luck rather than judgement on your part that serious injury was not caused.

“You accept that you were distracted by trying to retrieve your bag. You do not dispute that you received and sent a WhatsApp message while driving on the approach to Kirkby station.

“In doing so you disregarded basic safety.”

Patrick Williamson, defending, said Hollis had been diagnosed as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following the crash.

Mr Williamson said: “He, by virtue of this incident, was understandably and properly dismissed, bringing to an end a career of significant credit to him.”

Hollis was also ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

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