Crime

Seven lucky minutes for drunk who diced with death on cable

TAMWORTH A man who swung from a 25,000-volt railway cable escaped death because he unwittingly chose a seven-minute window when the power was turned off for the first time in 15 months.

After appearing in court charged with trespassing on the railway, Shane White, 22, whose drunken stunt, left, was photographed by a train passenger and published in his local newspaper, said: “It was completely and utterly idiotic . . . I must be the luckiest man alive.”

White, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, was given a four-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months and a 120-day curfew order between 7pm and 7am. He was also told to pay £60 costs.

He had no memory of the incident until he saw himself pictured on the front page of the newspaper. He promptly handed himself in to police.

After the hearing before Tamworth magistrates White said that he had drunk three litres of cider and cans of beer before flinging himself off a footbridge and grabbing the cable.

note: there is a picture in the paper today

Submitted on 11/21/2006

Submitted by: kev Lax
Reference: The Times, Nov 21, 06

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

Graham said:
Definitely Toss: Lacks Excellence
Accounts of drunken, loutish behavior are not really DA material as the 'victims' are not aware of their actions as this story clearly illustrates. Had the man been sober, would he have performed such an insane prank? Probably not. Thanks for the story though.

James said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Actually, this is the cherry on the cake! The photo is already in our slush pile, and this extra detail completes what could be a truly stellar HM! Hell, I've been sloppy drunk and NEVER tried anything like this; few others I know would either when in their cups! Personally, there's no excuse for this short of a suicide attempt (which this wasn't); Darwin ought to see this!!!

Jack said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
I must disagree with Graham. Some of our better (and more amusing) awards have come about as a result of over-indulgence in alcohol or drugs.

Shadow said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
worth an honorable mention... had the power been on he'd be Darwin worthy... no matter how drunk he was... this guy was darn lucky! Thanks for the submission!

Chip said:
Definitely Keep: Honorable Mention
An Honorable Mention if ever there was one. Providence must be saving this guy for a truly spectacular end soon! Too bad the site does not allow for photos. The one in the newpaper was priceless. Thanks for the submission.

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