Tom Davidson Assistant news editor. By the following year, more than 700 claims have been lodged and South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield Wednesday FC start making out-of-court settlements without admission of liability. BBC News Inquests into the 96 football fans who died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster have concluded they were unlawfully killed. One of the many tragedies of the Hillsborough disaster is the first explanation for what claimed the lives of those men, women and children was a suggestion it was Liverpool supporters who were responsible. I did my very best on the day.". Relatives and friends of the victims were gathered at the Cunard Building on Liverpool's waterfront when the verdict was announced. "We, the families, have fought for 30 years valiantly.". 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But he remains a liar whose claims caused hurt, anger and despair. The acquittal of David Duckenfield is the latest twist in the history of a disaster which has lasted 30 years. Margaret Aspinall reacts to Mr Duckenfield's trial verdict, Margaret Aspinall, whose 18-year-old son James was among those who died, said: "The question I'd like to ask all of you and people within the system is who put 96 people in their graves, who is accountable?". The jury at the inquests returned a verdict of unlawful killing, reversing the 1990 ruling of accidental deaths. Sir, it is now that I have thought very seriously about the families, Duckenfield said, explaining that the video was the most moving thing he had ever seen, and that it had shown him what it means to a mother to lose a loved one. During days of intense questioning at the inquests in March 2015, he admitted that he had lied about mistakes he made on the day and had kept that lie going for 26 years and through several legal inquiries. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The prosecution in the case alleged Duckenfield, 75, had a 'personal responsibility' for what happened at the match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, when 96 people were fatally injured . After sitting for 31 days, the Taylor Inquiry publishes an interim report concluding that the main reason for the disaster was the failure of police control and criticising South Yorkshire Police for blaming Liverpool supporters. "With all due respect, my lord, 96 people were found unlawfully killed to a criminal standard," she said. For a person to be found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter the prosecution has to prove that he - or she - owed a duty of care to the victim and negligently breached it. "Over this period, I have had to come to terms with reality, and that is why, over the period, you might say I dug my head in the sand, didn't admit things to myself, but I am now very much older, very much wiser, and very much more understanding of the events of the day and have decided to tell the whole truth. Your IP: Allan Green, the director of public prosecutions, finds there is insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against any individual, group or corporate body. 2023 BBC. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales, The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. ACC Jackson was alongside Duckenfield within minutes of the match being stopped. There were gasps in court as the seven women and three men on the jury returned the verdict, following 13 hours and 43 minutes of discussions. The matchday commander at Hillsborough was. Evelyn Newman Duckenfield, center, died at age 81 of covid-19 on Jan 25. It is true the same stadium exit gate he ordered to be opened at 2.52pm opened minutes earlier without his instruction. The new scrutiny is conducted by Lord Justice Stuart-Smith. The Hillsborough match commander was cleared of gross negligence manslaughter. Despite this, the retired officer was able to walk away last week in the face of overwhelming evidence and his own admissions. Last year it was confirmed no-one else would face prosecution for the unlawful killing of 96 men, women and children. Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has been found not guilty of the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans in the 1989 disaster. But he now admits the crush occurred after he ordered an exit gate to be opened allowing 2,000 Liverpool fans to enter the stadium in just five minutes. He was asked whether he thought over the last 26 years about the bereaved families, who according to their barrister, Rajiv Menon QC waged a courageous and unrelenting campaign that culminated in 2012 with the quashing of the first inquests. The prosecution alleged Mr Duckenfield had a "personal responsibility" for what happened at the match. The retired chief . 0 . The trial against retired Ch Supt Donald Denton, 83, retired Det Ch Insp Alan Foster, 74, and former solicitor Peter Metcalf, 71, collapses. Addressing the families in the court he said: It has now dawned on me what it means to you, and I am dreadfully sorry.. The city of Liverpool will today remember the 96 football fans who died at Hillsborough stadium, 30 years to the day since the disaster. ", To the families he added: "It has now dawned on me what it means to you, and I am dreadfully sorry. The ruling states that all the victims were dead by 3.15pm. They were even more appalled when Openshaw called the defendant a poor chap after Duckenfield was forced to go to hospital with a suspected chest infection. The Hillsborough match commander apologised to the families. 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"He understands the public interest in this case, but would ask that his privacy and that of his family is respected, and will not be commenting further. The report says a pitch invasion was unlikely at the beginning of a match and there was no effective leadership to organise rescue efforts or relieve pressure from behind the pens where the crush happened. After reviewing 450,000 documents, the Hillsborough Independent Panel publishes a report highlighting police failings and the alleged campaign to blame Liverpool supporters for the disaster. As fans were dying he suggested they were responsible for the crush that was a consequence of his decision. Something went wrong, please try again later. Former Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield, arriving at Preston Crown court for the start of his retrial for the manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 Liverpool supporters at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final. PC Maxwell Groome was on duty for the match at Sheffield Wednesdays stadium. Read about our approach to external linking. Crucially, the panel finds that 41 victims did not have signs of the crush injuries originally claimed by pathologists, and so may have been saved. Lord Justice Taylor concludes that the most fans were not drunk, nor even the worse for drink and highlights contributing factors including opening exit gates to allow fans into the ground and failing to delay kick-off. The then Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) concludes that there is no new evidence as alleged by the HFSG and their legal representatives, and therefore no grounds for reopening the police investigation into the Hillsborough disaster. Three more defendants are still facing charges relating to Hillsborough: retired police officers Donald Denton, 80, and Alan Foster, 73, and police solicitor Peter Metcalf, 68, will all stand trial later this year. Judge Sir Peter Openshaw also told jurors the condition could explain Duckenfield's lack of reaction as he sat in the well of the court throughout the trial. "We say that is unfair, there are so many other people at fault, and so many causes," the barrister added. On 1 November, a juror is discharged after telling fellow jurors dickhead Duckenfield needs to die, but the judge rules that the trial can proceed. And despite the words of regret expressed in 2015, this included the resurrection of shameless claims about ticketless and late supporters. Due to the law at the time, there can be no prosecution over the death of the 96th victim, Tony Bland. England and Wales company registration number 2008885, Subscribe to TheWeek. He was fined 6,500 and ordered to pay 5,000. "We firmly believe that we have done everything in our power to do right by our Steven and we walk away from this case with our dignity and our heads held high.". He told the court: "We say David Duckenfield did do what he was expected to do as match commander. Mr Duckenfield did not dispute that he ordered the opening of a gate at Hillsborough to let fans in, or that he failed to close the tunnel to the terraces which were already full. HILLSBOROUGH DISASTER- DAVID DUCKENFIELD FOUND NOT GUILTY, David Duckenfield was in charge the day 96 Liverpool fans were killed at Hillsborough, David Duckenfield has been cleared of gross negligence manslaughter, Hillsborough football ground shown to the inquests, Police and fans on the pitch at Hillsborough football stadium in Sheffield on April 15 1989, The disaster claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans. A handwritten note apparently written by Tony Blair, asks why? What happened in Sheffield was beyond horrific. "We have immense admiration for the Hillsborough families, survivors and campaigners for what they have achieved and our thoughts remain with them and those 96 Liverpool supporters who went to watch their team and never came home.". Sergeant Michael Goddard, who was in the police control box, told the trial the request was not unusual, 2.30pm: Duckenfield raises the size of the crowd outside the Leppings Lane turnstiles and asks ground commander, Supt Bernard Murray, whether those fans will be in the ground for the 3pm kick-off. Mr Duckenfields retrial starts at Preston Crown Court. The crown's case was that the Chief Superintendent's failings were so extraordinary that they met that test. My first thoughts are with the 96 people who died in the Hillsborough disaster, their families, and the thousands of people who have been deeply affected by the events of 15th April 1989. Weakest since 2012: UK house price average falls to 257,406. After three years reviewing 450,000 documents, including those relating to former prime minister Margaret Thatcher and Merseyside Police, the Hillsborough Independent Panel publishes its report and exposes the police campaign to blame Liverpool fans. Start your free trial. And yet 23 minutes later he suggested it was the supporters, some of whom were dying beneath him, who were responsible. Following judicial advice, the PCA decides against proceeding against Mr Murray alone. Members of the public make 17 complaints that are considered for disciplinary action, which is recommended for David Duckenfield and Bernard Murray, who was ground commander on the day. The passage of 30 years has presented challenges for everyone involved in the legal process, prosecution and defence. He described the policing outside the Leppings Lane turnstiles, where Duckenfield accepted the South Yorkshire police lost control at 2:40pm, as non-existent or shambolic at best. Lord Justice McCowan says he can see no fault in the coroner for cutting off the scope of the inquests at 3.15pm because he relied on medical evidence, and refuses to quash the verdicts. Mr Duckenfield said he felt the diagnosis was a "sign of weakness" and tried to "conceal" his conditions from family and colleagues but the publication of the report by the Hillsborough Independent Panel in 2012 and a TV programme he had seen about the disaster's effect on the families prompted him to finally tell the truth. Mr Duckenfield's wife, Ann, went over to comfort her husband in the courtroom after the verdict was read out. Allen told the inquests last week that he had policed hundreds of football matches and attended thousands as a Liverpool fan. It is rejected by Lord Justice McCowan in the divisional court. Only one ambulance made it onto the pitch; 42 remained in a queue outside. Former Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield at Preston Crown court. Amid growing calls for transparency, the Hillsborough Independent Panel is set up. He admitted that until his evidence this week at these new inquests, he had not confessed to the series of mistakes he has now admitted. About 45 family members watched the verdict from the Cunard building in Liverpool, where the trial was screened. He didn't breach his duty, he did what he was expected to do in difficult circumstances.". Ch Supt Duckenfield reacted to the build-up of supporters outside the ground by ordering the gates to be opened before the game between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. The funnel-shaped nature of the area meant that the congestion was hard to escape for those at the front, says the BBC. announcement by Labour minister Andy Burnham, Hillsborough Independent Panel publishes a report, Theresa May orders a new criminal investigation, The inquest jury concludes that the 96 victims were unlawfully killed. It may sound like a clich to say lessons must be learnt, but todays verdict means this has never been more relevant or important. The prosecution of Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield was "breathtakingly unfair" as he was made to take the blame for others, a jury has heard. It is hard to comprehend how the relatives have maintained their dignity in the face of numerous disappointments and crass treatment from the authorities. 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The Crown Prosecution Service decides that following consideration of all the evidence and documentation, there is no evidence to justify any criminal proceedings against South Yorkshire Police officers, Sheffield Wednesday FC, Sheffield City Council or Eastwoods the structural engineering firm that designed the pens. The entrance had a limited number of turnstiles, of which just seven were allocated to the 10,100 fans with tickets for the standing terraces. Mr Mackrell is fined 6,500 for the offence, sparking outrage from victims relatives who called the penalty shameful. The former South Yorkshire Police chief. Read about our approach to external linking. Covid cut it short. As the families continue to campaign, ITV screens a drama about the disaster written by Jimmy McGovern. But ultimately the buck stops with me., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. It also prompts calls for criminal action. The prosecution in the case alleged Duckenfield, 75, had a 'personal responsibility' for what happened at the match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15 1989, where 96 men, women. He said this minutes after he - the man tasked with keeping those people safe - had ordered for exit gates to be opened. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? "It is right that an impartial and thorough investigation was carried out, and it is right that a jury was asked to make a judgement of the facts. One family member shouted: "Stitched up again.". Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has been found not guilty of the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans in the 1989 disaster. Who has been left to carry the weight and pain of the disaster? We need to be able to trust the emergency services and the systems that are set up to protect the populace. By 2.45pm, thousands of people were pressing into the turnstiles and alongside a large exit gate. Yet one thing that is crucial to remember is that today's verdict does not undo, undermine or cancel out the verdicts of those historic inquests. He acknowledged that even after he said he realised, at 3:04pm on the day, that he was facing a medical emergency not an incident of disorder, he called for police dogs to come to the ground, not ambulances. The new Labour government orders a review of the evidence by Lord Justice Stuart-Smith. Sheffield Wednesday's former club secretary Graham Mackrell was found guilty of a health and safety offence in May 2019. Around 2,000 fans enter, many heading down a central tunnel and into already busy terrace pens, leading to the tragic crush. At that point, Duckenfield gave the command to open another gate to the stadium and about 2,000 fans then made their way into the ground. 2023 BBC. Attorney general Dominic Grieve had made an application based on the Hillsborough Independent Panels report. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. He said: "He has a resilient, passive and expressionless external presentation which gives no indication of his state of mind so don't draw an adverse inference against him.". After Duckenfield mentioned the contribution in the police control room of Bernard Murray, who was a superintendent but has since died, Menon asked him if he was seeking to blame other people. Former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie apologises for the papers 1989 front page. Sir Peter Openshaw, the judge, told the jury that the inquests findings which were not discussed in court were quite irrelevant. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. The Hillsborough Family Support Group mounts a private prosecution of Duckenfield and his deputy, superintendentBernard Murray, for manslaughter. The anniversary comes 12 days after a jury at Preston Crown Court failed to reach a verdict on the prosecution of the match commander, Ch Supt David Duckenfield, who was accused of gross negligence manslaughter, reports The Guardian. Medical assistance at Hillsborough was woefully inadequate. He said he would regret them to his dying day. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. At the hearings he accepted he should have taken steps to close the tunnel to the central pens after ordering the opening of the exit gate. David Duckenfield found not guilty over Hillsborough disaster Hillsborough: Former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary fined 6,500 Sheffield Wednesday FC is also criticised for an inadequate. But an inquest is not a criminal court, and so it was for another jury to decide whether Mr Duckenfield's mistakes amounted to gross negligence manslaughter. The farriers prosecution for perverting the course of justice is found not to be in the public interest and there is insufficient evidence against the police officer. The court heard he had ordered the opening of exit gates at the Leppings Lane end of the ground at 14:52 BST on 15 April 1989 - eight minutes before kick-off, after the area outside the turnstiles became dangerously overcrowded. Former superintendent Roger Marshall agreed match. Posted on 26 Feb in avondale redbud problems. The matchday commander at Hillsborough was found not guilty of gross negligence manslaughter charges pertaining to his role in the football disaster 30. asked if this was a "ploy" and a step to "sever the link between the opening of the gate and what . Read about our approach to external linking. The jury had a difficult and challenging task examining evidence going back decades and I respect their decision. When all Hillsborough legal proceedings are concluded we should, as a society, take time to consider these matters and learn lessons. acquit Mr Duckenfield of gross negligence manslaughter, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Up to 20% off and extra perks with Booking.com Genius membership, Extra 25% off kitchen appliances using this AO discount code, 35 off 1st orders with this Soak & Sleep voucher code & orders 100+, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK February 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this February, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. After delivering the verdict the judge, Sir Peter Openshaw thanked the jury before they were dismissed. Inquests into the 96 football fans who died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster have concluded they were unlawfully killed. Hillsboroughs final victim, 22-year-old Tony Bland, dies after being taken off life support, pushing the death toll up to 96. It also must be proved that it could be foreseen the breach would give rise to an obvious risk of death, that it caused the death and - most challenging of all - that the circumstances of the breach were so reprehensible as to justify the conclusion that it amounted to gross negligence and required criminal sanction. 30 years means evidence has been corroded and some people and organisations cannot answer for their actions because they are no longer with us. The jury found match commander - former Ch Supt David Duckenfield - "responsible for manslaughter by gross negligence" due to a breach of his duty of care. At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. For one teacher, it was a life well-lived. Bereaved families are angered that the inquests cannot consider the emergency response after that point, and an accidental death verdict is returned on 26 March 1991. ", "It is important to remember that criminal proceedings have a very different purpose to an inquest.". The High Court quashes the accidental death verdicts and new inquests are ordered. The inquest jury finds that Hillsboroughs 96 victims were unlawfully killed and that Liverpool fans were not responsible for the disaster. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric'. Liverpool FC said it shared "the reactions and frustrations by the families today and those affected by the Hillsborough tragedy". because Duckenfield was acquitted in 2019 of a charge of gross negligence manslaughter, . I hoped it would go away. The families watching in a conference room in Liverpool were aghast. After the longest inquest in British history, lasting 90 days, a verdict of accidental death is returned by a majority verdict of 9-2. A jury failed to reach a verdict in the case of David Duckenfield, the former South Yorkshire police chief superintendent and match commander on the day of the Hillsborough disaster. It was a catastrophic and deadly error. Attempting to explain his words in Warrington, he said: I was probably deeply ashamed, embarrassed, greatly distressed and I probably didnt want to admit to myself or anyone else, what the situation is.". Visit our corporate site www.futureplc.com Future Publishing Limited, Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. This, the Hillsborough Independent Panels report from the authorities at Preston crown court Subscribe to.! 30 years has presented challenges for everyone involved in the history of a charge of negligence! The law at the Cunard Building on Liverpool 's waterfront when the verdict was read out against. 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