THE jury in the trial of a carpenter accused of pushing a woman onto train tracks is expected to retire to consider its verdict tomorrow.

Ionel Rapisca, of Joyce Green Lane, Dartford, allegedly shoved 59-year-old Linda Buchanan onto the railway line at Farningham Road station at around 7am on August 6, 2008.

Horton Kirby resident Mrs Buchanan, who suffered a broken wrist, bruising to her legs and post-traumatic stress, says she was attacked after telling two men to stop smoking on the platform.

Thirty-three-year-old Rapisca denies GBH with intent and charges of GBH and actual bodily harm.

Maidstone Crown Court today heard evidence from Christopher Bloomfield, who was at the station with Rapisca the day before the incident took place.

Mr Bloomfield, aged 21, said: “I remember we were standing under the footbridge smoking, me, Mr Rapisca and his brother-in-law.

“A woman approached us and just started having a go, basically about us smoking. We just ignored her.”

Mr Bloomfield was asked why he did not contact police about Rapisca’s whereabouts after the defendant called him on the day of the incident.

Prosecutor John O’Higgins said: “You have a national news story here and your mate is public enemy number one.

“He's telling you all this information the police and media are interested in and you didnt think to call the police?”

Mr Bloomfield said in response: “No, I just didn’t think it was anything to do with me.”

A character reference from the managing director of Rapisca’s employers, JCB Construction, was also read out to the jury.

The reference by John Goldsmith described Rapisca as a “valued employee” who has “an easy-going temperament and is well liked by his workmates”.

The trial continues.