THE AISGILL DISASTER

Otago Witness, Issue 3111, 29 October 1913, Page 27

THE AISGILL DISASTER

CAUDLE’S SENTENCE.

LONDON, October 20. At the trial of the driver Caudle, in connection with the Aisgill disaster, Douglas, the signalman at Sutherland, admitted that he put the home signal to danger when Caudle’s train was almost upon him. October 21. At the trial of Caudle in connection with the Aisgill railway disaster he again admitted his neglect of the signals. When questioned regarding the effect of his neglect he broke down and wept* and sat grief-stricken during the remainder of the proceedings. The jury returned a verdict of guilty, but attached a strong recommendation to mercy on account of the onerous nature and difficulties of drivers’ duties. • October 22. In sentencing Caudle to two months' imprisopment on a charge of the manslaughter of Sir Arthur Douglas in the Aisgill railway collision, Mr Justice Avory said that he had rushed on recklessly with his train. The trouble with his engine was no excuse for his neglect of the signals. Caudle’s conscience would haunt him for the remainder of his life, and that alone would be a severe punishment; but it was necessary to pass some sentence on him in the interest of travellers. October 23. Tffe secretaries of the National Union of Railwaymen are staggered by Caudle’s sentence, which is regarded as monstrous. The Daily Telegraph says that there is increasing indignation among the Carlisle railwaymen over Caudle,’s sentence, and that a national strike is being widely favoured. A petition for his release is being signed, and the Home Secretary (Mr M‘Kenna) is to bo approached. The northern railwaymen favour a strike to obtain Caudle’s release, but the officials are strongly against such a step. The Midland Railway Company has undertaken to employ Caudle after his release from prison.