Richard Hinchliffe

_ (1) The evidence at the inquest was that the barrier from platform Lonto the rail lines was clearly marked with warning signs and "witches hat" matting: evidence was that normal practice is also to secure the barriers with a cable tie to deter unauthorised access but to allow reasonable emergency access when required. However, the evidence suggested that at the time of the PFSS visit the gate was tied shut using a shoe lace: This visit was several days after the incident and is not necessarily indicative of the situation on 2 October. However, the evidence at the inquest also suggested that Mr Hinchliffe gained access through the barrier with some ease which might suggest that the barrier was not securedIt is not clear how often the The gate barriers onto the lines are checked to ensure appropriate security is in place.

(2) Mr Hinchliffe was seemingly asleep on the platform for approximately one hour before gaining access onto the line_ The evidence was that Blackfriars station is staffed 24 hours. It is not clear whether his presence would have been noted and flagged as a possible securitylsafety concern: