The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Safety Person or Team Award

Anna Weeks

Said the following about Leonie Smith:

“Leonie is a Conductor based out of Newcastle. She was getting off her busy train at the end of her shift in Newcastle one afternoon and noticed a man carrying a large knife under his jacket. The man noticed she had noticed. Despite this Leonie remained calm and proceeded with handing her train over to not raise any further attention from the man. She then discreetly observed the man getting onto a Cross Country service south. She advised the train staff of what she saw and the train was held until the BTP arrested the man. The main was frustratingly only cautioned, but Leonie's evidence was a key part of this. Her vigilance, bravery and commitment to following this up may well have prevented a really serious incident and is an example of the practice we preach in the railway...see it, say it, sort it.“