AN ITV evening news presenter appeared at Richmond Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with running a red light on a level crossing in Barnes.

Mark Austin, 46, of Nassau Road in Barnes, was found not guilty of the offence, said to have taken place on Vine Road on April 27. Prosecutor Miss Lewis called three British Transport Police officers to the stand to give evidence.

PC Gorman spoke first to say that he had gone to the level crossing with two other officers to check that the equipment was working.

After everything was found to be in working order, they positioned themselves about 25ft away to check traffic coming through the level crossing.

At about 10.50am he saw a steady amber light and heard an audible alarm, which was followed, about three seconds later, by red flashing lights.

A car was seen to go through the red lights and the officer stopped the car and cautioned the driver, Mr Austin.

Defence solicitor Mr Baumer gave out pictures which showed that the distance from where the officers were standing to the crossing was just under 90 feet, rather than 25 feet.

And he stated that there was a hump which would have obscured the view of oncoming cars.

Two more BTP officers, PC Poulter and PC Murphy spoke to give evidence and they maintained that they were 25 feet away and that they saw the car go through a red light.

Mr Baumer cross examined each of them about the distance and the hump, to which they answered that they hadn't measured the distance and the hump was obscuring their view slightly.

Mr Austin spoke to say he was in no rush and when he approached the crossing there was no light showing.

As he got closer an amber light came on and he made a decision to cross to ensure his safety rather than jeopardise his safety.

His wife also spoke to confirm that as she looked up when they went over the crossing the light was amber, not red. The magistrates said that the prosecution had not proved beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant had gone through a red light.