What was the main reason for Pittwood's liability in R v. Pittwood?

The main reason for Pittwood's liability in R v. Pittwood stemmed from his failure to operate the railway gate. As a train conductor, Pittwood had a specific duty to ensure the safety of both train passengers and individuals crossing the railway. The facts of the case establish that it was within his responsibility to close the gate to prevent vehicular or pedestrian traffic from crossing the railway line when a train was approaching. His negligence in not operating the gate directly contributed to the accident, as it resulted in a fatal collision.

The case illustrates the legal principle of duty of care, where a person in a position of responsibility is expected to take reasonable actions to prevent harm to others. By not fulfilling this essential function, Pittwood breached his duty and was found liable for the resulting consequences of that failure. This establishes a clear link between his actions (or lack thereof) and the tragic outcome, which is a crucial element in establishing liability in criminal law.