SURVIVORS of the Selby rail disaster are set to launch a flood of compensation claims running into millions of pounds following the conviction of driver Gary Hart.

The first civil action has already been launched at Leeds County Court by York survivor Gian Spadone, the Evening Press can reveal.

More than a dozen crash survivors and bereaved relatives are in the process of making damages claims against Land Rover driver Hart, who was found guilty yesterday.

Hart, who is to be sentenced next month, was described as a "mobile catastrophe waiting to happen" by Detective Superintendent Peter McKay, of North Yorkshire police, who led the criminal investigation against him.

"Gary Hart was convicted today on the clearest of evidence," he said.

"He could have avoided these deaths, he did not. He alone is responsible."

He added that people who drove while deprived of sleep may in the future be seen as "social outcasts" like drink drivers.

Mary Dunn, who lost her husband, freight train driver Stephen, said she was relieved the trial was over and thanked the police and other organisations for their help. She revealed tomorrow would have been her husband's 40th birthday.

Mrs Dunn, a mother of two boys, said: "I'm just relieved it's all over and myself and my boys can get a hold of life from now on."

She went on to thank the police and Railtrack and other people for their "strength" and support following the crash and during the trial.

Mrs Dunn said she believed justice had been done, but she was hurt that Hart had shown little remorse or acknowledged that his actions were unacceptable.

She said: "My main reaction I'm feeling is one of immense relief. Part of me thinks that is inevitable having sat through the evidence.

"I went into this with an open mind and I feel justice has been done, and has been seen to be done. I'm pleased it's over."

A spokesman for Railtrack said: "The Selby rail crash was a terrible tragedy for all concerned and our thoughts continue to lie with the bereaved families, injured, survivors and the villagers of Great Heck. Now that the trial is over, Railtrack will continue to offer support to those affected."

A spokesman for York-based GNER, which lost three staff in the tragedy, said: "The trial has been a painful and deeply distressing time for many people.

"Now that it is over, we hope that survivors, the Great Heck community, and the bereaved families, including those of the three GNER employees who so tragically lost their lives, can take another step towards coming to terms with the tragedy."

Mr Spadone, 30, whose civil case was launched on December 10, said he was now looking to rebuild his life. "This whole episode has been like a book, and this is like the end of one chapter helping us to move towards the end of the book."

He said he did not want to comment on what sentence Hart should receive.

Mr Spadone is among those being represented by Kevin Hughes, of York solicitors Pattinson & Brewer, whose other clients' claims range from post-traumatic stress disorder through to serious head and spinal injuries.

He is also representing three bereaved families whose claims could reach "six or even seven figures".

"I feel very sorry for Mr Hart. He will have to carry with him the events for the rest of his life," he told the Evening Press. "But through his negligence he has caused death and severe injury. It seems that his conviction is a just outcome. This conviction will assist the victims who are seeking compensation. Although the conviction is not conclusive it will be very persuasive to a judge sitting at a civil case."

He added that Mr Spadone's was the first case to be launched and others would follow when medical evidence was available. Anyone involved in the crash who is considering making a claim can contact Mr Hughes on 01904 680015.

Updated: 10:46 Friday, December 14, 2001