TOCs get fined for every MINUTE a train is delayed. Also delays can then knock-on and build up. Holding that service may in turn delay another service - cant say really as I dont know exact times. There is also the case that the Hove service may have already been near-full with fans already...
As NSCs resident train apologist it is only fair I comment.
RE Last Night - The entire network was tits up due to a person being struck by a train at Balham (they survived but are in a critical condition with both legs broken). Trains and train crew were stuck all over the place, leading to...