Two people chased by police after they were found running across railway tracks put their lives in danger, a court has heard.

Frankie Tate, 21, of Oak Cottage, Weeting, Brandon and a 17-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to trespassing on railway property when they appeared at King's Lynn Magistrates' Court on Monday, April 23.

The court heard how on Tuesday, April 3 police were called by staff at the King's Lynn railway station to reports of two people causing a nuisance and being abusive.

Prosecutor Jane Walker said at the time the British Transport Police were going to be delayed to the incident and so King's Lynn police dealt with the matter.

When police arrived at the scene, they saw the two defendants running across the tracks behind the restricted area of the railway crossing by Tennyson Avenue.

Staff at the station had to switch the power off in order to allow the police officers to reach the two trespassers, who had initially tried to run away from them.

Tate, who was of previously good character, told the court he had ran across the tracks to catch a returning train but was then chased by station staff.

But Ms Walker said: 'There was a clearly marked sign saying no one should pass the sign.'

Tate was fined £50 for the offence and was ordered to pay £30 victim surcharge, as well as £85 court costs.

Chairman of the bench John Hare said: 'It's basically an inconvenience to other people and it's also for your own safety. 'You have been an idiot. You could've been hurt and all to save a couple of minutes of time, and now you have a record.

'Do not repeat it, because basically it's boring all round.'

The 17-year-old girl also pleaded guilty to a public order offence, in which she shouted abusive language in front of members of the public at King's Lynn railway station on February 19.

Ms Walker added that the defendant had three previous convictions. When she was cautioned by police, her response was: 'Whatever.'

She will be sentenced for both matters at a youth court in King's Lynn on Tuesday, April 24.

After the hearing Rupert Lown, Network Rail's director of safety for Anglia, said: 'Trespassing is extremely dangerous and can have tragic consequences for those involved. Trains travelling at speed take a long time to stop and can often approach silently.

'We take trespass on our infrastructure extremely seriously and work closely with British Transport Police to educate the public on the dangers of misusing the railway. Anyone who sees a trespasser, or who has concerns about specific locations where they know trespassers are gaining access to the railway, can report them to our national helpline 24-hours-a-day on 03457 114141.'