The rail maintenance firm went bust last year and is due to appear at Watford Magistrates’ Court on safety charges on March 21 following the crash which killed seven people in 2002.

Network Rail pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act in connection with the derailment today.

Watford magistrates committed Network Rail to St Albans Crown Court where a sentencing hearing will take place on 30 March at 10am.

Jarvis were not present for today’s hearing. At ORR’s request the court adjourned the first appearance of Jarvis until 21 March, when they will appear again at the magistrates’ court.

In the meantime ORR will decide whether it remains in the public interest to proceed with the prosecution of Jarvis, and will make this decision before the hearing on 21 March.

In coming to a decision the regulator said it “will consult fully with the families of the victims and take into account their views.”