THE jury in the trial of a carpenter accused of pushing a woman onto train tracks has been sent out to consider its verdict.

Ionel Rapisca, of Joyce Green Lane, Dartford, is accused of pushing Linda Buchanan onto a live rail line at Farningham Road station in August 2008 after a row about smoking.

Maidstone Crown Court today heard from prosecution barrister John O'Higgins.

He said: "This man had no right to touch her let alone push her off a platform. He has tried every means possible to avoid responsibility. He's run away. He's failed to co-operate with the police. He's told lies.

"The nastiest thing of all in this story - in trying to avoid responsibility himself he has tried to shift responsibility onto this woman who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

"She has had to relive her ordeal and has been punished twice."

Horton Kirby resident Ms Buchanan claims 33-year-old Rapisca pushed her off the platform and stood there laughing as she lay on the track.

Defence barrister Thomas Mackinnon disagreed saying: "If Mr Rapisca wanted to cause GBH to Ms Buchanan what on earth was he doing jumping down onto the tracks himself?

"Witnesses saw Rapisca and his brother-in-law jump onto the tracks to pick up 59-year-old Ms Buchanan but witnesses also saw the two men run away."

Ms Buchanan suffered a fractured wrist and a bruised leg. She has also suffered post-traumatic stress disorder and depression since the incident.

Rapisca denies GBH with intent and an alternative charge of GBH.