Complex sentence: It is said that French arrived late for the libel hearing at the court, and when questioned by the judge on his lateness, he responded "Your honour, I travelled by the West Clare Railway", resulting in the case being thrown out.
Split into simpler sentences: It is said that when French arrived late for the libel hearing, the judge on his lateness. French reportedly responded "Your honour, I traveled by the West Clare Railway", resulting in the case being thrown out.