Michael Winkler

Said the following about Andre Dyer:

“On the 2nd February 2016 Crewe Conductor André Dyer was working London Midland service 1K63. The 22:39 departure from Birmingham New Street to Crewe. Upon departure from Birmingham André went through the train greeting customers and checking tickets. When the service arrived at Sandwell and Dudley he found himself in the leading vehicle of the train and undertook station duties from that location. At Sandwell and Dudley André also noticed a lone male board the service and trip on the door step as doing so, falling into the vestibule. André went to the customer’s assistance and to check on their welfare, but the customer had already stood up unassisted. André noticed that the customer had facial injuries, grazes and dried blood near the mouth; the customer was also unsteady on his feet, staggering slightly. André enquired if the customer had fallen previously and the customer stated he was okay and had indeed fallen earlier sustaining his injuries then. André enquired where the customer was travelling to, which was Tipton; so he ensured the customer was seated and got the train underway. After departing André went to the customer again to enquire about his welfare further and the customer insisted he was fine. André explained he would remain with the customer and then assist him to alight when they arrived at Tipton.

When the train arrived at Dudley Port André was on the platform when he noticed the customer unsteadily make to leave the train so André reminded him that his intended stop was the next one and the customer returned to his seat. After departing Dudley Port André made further enquiries of the customer as he was becoming more and more concerned about his welfare and safety. During this discussion André was able to find out the customer’s name was Adam and that he had been out that night and had something to drink.

Upon arrival at Tipton André assisted Adam to alight and as they were already near the platform exit André decided to assist Adam from the platform and station also, fearing for his safety given his injuries and unsteady nature on his feet. André asked Adam if he had far to go home and Adam said he “didn’t know”? Upon further discussion it became clear to André that Adam didn’t live in Tipton, had nowhere to go or stay in Tipton and in fact didn’t know Tipton at all. Adam said he intended to spend the night on the station until the morning and then ask “the council” if they could house him and at this point Adam began to cry and became emotionally distressed. Now very concerned for Adam’s welfare André suggested to him that he re-join the train with André and travel through to Wolverhampton where there were staff and better shelter, Adam declined this offer. André discretely telephoned London Midland Control to explain the situation and received their support for his plan to take Adam through to Wolverhampton. So André spoke with Adam again and was able to convince him this time that going to Wolverhampton would be in his best interests. During to journey to Wolverhampton André remained with Adam and continued to engage him in conversation, Adam remained distressed and stated that he was missing his children. Unknown to Adam André had made discrete arrangements with London Midland Control for Adam to be met by Wolverhampton station staff and possibly the BTP (who turned out to be unavailable).

Upon arrival at Wolverhampton André introduced Adam to the staff there and explained his situation before leaving Adam in their care and continuing his journey to Crewe. Later in the evening André again telephoned London Midland Control when he was informed that Adam had given an address and was then provided with a taxi to that address.

We can’t be sure what Adam’s true intentions were that night but it’s clear that he was very emotionally distressed, had already suffered physical injuries and intended to sleep rough that night, at best? It was clear to André that this wasn’t a safe course for someone in Adam’s situation so he unselfishly took ownership of helping Adam to safety when he could have so easily just shown Adam to the station exit at Tipton.

I believe André’s actions that night show him for the selfless, dedicated and conscientious person he is and possibly saved Adam from further harm if not mortal danger. Had Adam intended to harm himself that night André’s actions have spared Adam and his family some considerable pain not to mention the impact upon the railway and railway colleagues of such events?“