He will now be able to resume his life in retirement on the south coast. inquest verdicts brought by six representative families. 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. 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. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. 2.17pm: Superintendent Roger Marshall requests for Leppings Lane to be closed to traffic. The jury at the inquests returned a verdict of unlawful killing, reversing the 1990 ruling of accidental deaths. Expert policing witness Douglas Hopkins said this was a potential warning sign. More than 2,000 fans then entered through exit gate C, with many heading for the tunnel ahead of them, which led to the central pens of the terrace where the crush happened. One family member shouted: "Stitched up again.". The trial of Mr Duckenfield and Mr Mackrell starts at Preston Crown Court. Ben Myers QC made the claim in his. But the jury accepted the defence case that the 75-year-old was a target of blame who was unfairly singled out for prosecution. The man who caused so much pain has escaped the consequences. Match commander Ch Supt David Duckenfield had ordered for an exit gate at the stadium to be opened, by the Leppings Lane turnstiles. 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. Up to 41 of the dead might have survived had they been given oxygen. He had no experience managing soccer matches, let alone an FA Cup semi-final. And 30 years means many people, especially families, have had to constantly relive their terrible experience. More than 2,000 fans entered through exit gate C once it was opened and many headed for the tunnel ahead of them, which led to the central pens where the crush happened. ", Clive Coleman, BBC legal affairs correspondent. That sets the bar very high for the prosecution. That should never have happened, and we will continue to learn the . 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.". 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. Sir Peter Openshaw, the judge, told the jury that the inquests findings which were not discussed in court were quite irrelevant. Duckenfield retires on medical grounds, suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. What has been heard here in this court will have been surprising to many, she said. The acquittal of David Duckenfield is the latest twist in the history of a disaster which has lasted 30 years. Former Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield at Preston Crown court. Hillsborough disaster: Timeline of the day, The overcrowding at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough, Supporters are crushed against the barrier as disaster strikes before the FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest played at the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, 1989, Severe overcrowding resulted in 96 Liverpool fans losing their lives, Advertising boards which were used as stretchers, are piled up following the overcrowding at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough, A young Liverpool fan sat pitch side, following the events of the Hillsborough disaster, 1989, Liverpool memorial service was attended by 3,000 people, Liverpool footballer Dalglish and his wife Marina at the memorial service in the catholic Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool, in memory of those killed in the Hillsborough disaster, 1989, Floral tributes are left by the goal at Hillsborough, April 1989, John Aldridge laying a floral tribute, Anfield, 1989, A woman being comforted as she kneels by floral tributes at the gate of the Hillsborough Stadium, Sheffield, the morning after ninety six Liverpool fans died from injuries suffered in the fatal crush at the ground, Former chief superintendent David Duckenfield in 1989, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher tours Hillsborough stadium with David Duckenfield (on her left) after the Hillsborough football disaster, Fans gathering at Anfield for a ceremony of remembrance following the Hillsborough disaster on 22 April 1989, Diana Princess of Wales talks to Liverpool fan and Hillsborough survivor Ian Clarke, 16 in Sheffield Hospital, Sadness engulfs Anfield and the Kop Stand as many hundreds of thousands of tributes are laid in memory of the 96 people who died at Hillsborough Stadium on 15 April 1989 at the FA Cup Semi Final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, Liverpool Manager Kenny Dalglish watches in anguish as dead and injured Liverpool fans are carried away in ambulances (Getty Images), Supporters pay their respects after the Hillsborough disaster at Anfield in Liverpool, 1989, People help soccer fans at Hillsborough stadium after support railings collapsed during a match between Liverpool and Nottingham forest, Policemen rescue soccer fans at Hillsborough stadium after support railings collapsed during a match between Liverpool and Nottingham forest, Court shows layout of stadium in David Duckenfield's Hillsborough trial, Tony Bland was left severely brain-damaged following the Hillsborough football disaster in 1989, Cherie Blair looks on as her husband addresses the nation as prime minister in 1997, Labour culture minister Andy Burnham was reduced to mute nodding when his speech was drowned out by a chant of 'Justice for the 96', Relatives react after the jury delivered its verdict at the new inquests into the Hillsborough disaster, in Warrington, Relatives of those who died in the Hillsborough disaster celebrate outside the Hillsborough Inquest in Warrington, Margaret Aspinall holds a banner after the jury delivered its verdict at the new inquests into the Hillsborough disaster, Relatives of the Hillsborough sing 'You'll never walk alone' as they depart Birchwood Park after hearing the conclusions of the Hillsborough inquest, Relatives of Hillsborough victims show their emotions as they depart Birchwood Park after hearing the conclusions of the Hillsborough inquest, Relatives of Hillsborough victims hug as they depart Birchwood Park after hearing the conclusions of the Hillsborough inquest in Warrington, Margaret Aspinall (C), whose son James died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, makes a statement following the conclusion of the inquest into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, Relatives sing "You'll never walk alone" after the jury delivered its verdict at the new inquests into the Hillsborough disaster, Relatives of Hillsborough victims hold up banners as they depart Birchwood Park after hearing the conclusions of the Hillsborough inquest, Donna Miller (R), sister of Hillsborough victim Paul Carlile holds up a banner as relatives depart Birchwood Park after hearing the conclusions of the Hillsborough inquest in Warrington, David Duckenfield, match-day police commander at the Hillsborough football stadium disaster, arrives at court in Preston for his first trial in January, Retrial follows two sets of inquests, private prosecutions and civil proceedings over the disaster, Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, How Hillsborough prosecution case against David Duckenfield fell apart, David Duckenfield found not guilty over Hillsborough disaster, Hillsborough: Former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary fined 6,500, Hillsborough families react to inquest conclusions, Timeline of Hillsborough families 30-year battle for justice. Men, women and children were crushed on the Leppings Lane terrace. He had originally been accused of the manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 Liverpool fans, but denied all the charges. Many of the bereaved family members, including mothers whose children were killed in the disaster, were crying as Duckenfield spoke. Christine, whose father Henry Burke was killed in the disaster, addressed the judge after the verdict was read out. Even while the dead and dying were lying on the pitch, barely attended to by the emergency services, Duckenfield was throwing the blame and trying to avoid the responsibility for a decision that caused the carnage. The new Labour governments home secretary, Jack Straw, notes the discussions but said public concern will not be allayed by a reassurance from the Home Office that there is no new evidence and proposes an independent review. 2023 BBC. The matchday commander at Hillsborough was found not guilty of gross negligence manslaughter charges pertaining to his role in the football disaster 30 years ago. Of the 96 people who were crushed, trampled or suffocated, 37 were teenagers, most still at school, many attending their first away game supporting Liverpool. Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has been found not guilty of the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans in the 1989 disaster. David Duckenfield was in charge of policing the 1989 FA Cup semi-final, The people who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster, The crush developed in the Leppings Lane end of Hillsborough stadium, David Duckenfield pictured in 1989, a month after the Hillsborough disaster, Ninety-six people were fatally injured in the 1989 disaster. The most exhaustive and longest inquest in British history was dismissed as not being pertinent. It took some tortuous legal logic to create a courtroom environment where this could be allowed to happen. The families watching in a conference room in Liverpool were aghast. News. The citys council cancelled a planned outdoor commemoration event and instead will light 96 lanterns on the steps of St Georges Hall. Recipe: Ayurvedic Jewish penicillin by Dr Rupy Aujla, Sunaks Brexit deal explained in five points, Messi vs. Ronaldo: all-time goals and statistics. Jury fails to reach a verdict on the charges against Mr Duckenfield, but convicts Mr Mackrell of a health and safety offence. When all Hillsborough legal proceedings are concluded we should, as a society, take time to consider these matters and learn lessons. It was David Duckenfield, Preston Crown Court heard, who told FA chiefs fans had gained entry through a forced stadium gate before the crush on the terraces beyond. The Crown Prosecution Service announces that six people are to be charged with offences in relation to the disaster Mr Duckenfield is charged with manslaughter and former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell for health and safety offences. For this to happen, there needs to be accountability. He didn't breach his duty, he did what he was expected to do in difficult circumstances.". The former South Yorkshire Police chief. 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. Duckenfield did not give evidence in the trial as the court heard he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Duckenfield said he had watched a video about the disaster, including footage of a mother having to cuddle her dead child on the dirty floor of the Hillsborough gymnasium, which the police used as a mortuary that day. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. 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. Duckenfield had agreed earlier that he had not acted as a reasonably competent match commander on the day, due to the mistakes he made. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric'. Start your free trial. But while his acquittal means he did not fail to a criminal standard, it does not mean he did not fail at all. Answering questions from Mansfield, Duckenfield said, however, that he did believe Liverpool fans turned up late and drunk to the match, and that Merseyside police failed to tell the South Yorkshire force that Liverpool fans were in the habit of doing that. Home secretary Theresa May orders a new criminal investigation into the disaster, Operation Resolve. He said footage of a mother having to cuddle her dead child on the dirty floor of the Hillsborough gymnasium 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". Live reporting from the Hillsborough Inquests, Families and players react to conclusions. 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. A second juror is discharged on 19 November after suffering a bereavement, leaving a jury of seven women and three men to decide the case. In the eyes of the law Duckenfield is an innocent man. Who has been left to carry the weight and pain of the disaster? 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. Judith Moritz, BBC North of England correspondent. All this had been comprehensively dismissed at the inquests. But this influx caused further crushing inside the stadium, with fans at the front attempting to climb onto the pitch to safety. avid Duckenfield can finally rest easily. 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. "Thirty years means myths took root about fans being a cause of the disaster, now unequivocally shown by both defence and prosecution evidence to be wrong. A handwritten note apparently written by Tony Blair, asks why? Shortly before kick-off, in an attempt to ease overcrowding outside the entrance turnstiles, the police match commander, David Duckenfield, ordered exit gate C to be opened, leading to an influx of supporters entering the pens. The jury did, however, reach a majority verdict to convict Graham Mackrell, Sheffield Wednesdays then-secretary and safety officer, of failing to take reasonable care of Liverpool supporters safety, by allocating only seven turnstiles for the 10,100 people. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. The jury had a difficult and challenging task examining evidence going back decades and I respect their decision. 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. Mr Duckenfield's wife, Ann, went over to comfort her husband in the courtroom after the verdict was read out. The High Court rejects an application for judicial review of the inquest verdicts brought by six representative families. This is because he died more than a year and a day after his injuries were caused. And yet 23 minutes later he suggested it was the supporters, some of whom were dying beneath him, who were responsible. As fans were dying he suggested they were responsible for the crush that was a consequence of his decision. Only one ambulance made it onto the pitch; 42 remained in a queue outside. 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. The funnel-shaped nature of the area meant that the congestion was hard to escape for those at the front, says the BBC. I apologise unreservedly to the families and I hope they believe it is a very, very sincere apology. 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Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Labour MP Andy Burnhams address to the 20th anniversary memorial service is interrupted by chants of Justice for the 96. 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. The crown's case was that the Chief Superintendent's failings were so extraordinary that they met that test. 0 . The matchday commander at Hillsborough was found not guilty of gross negligence manslaughter charges pertaining to his role in the football disaster 30. It leads to a new criminal inquiry into the disaster and an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission. The jury found match commander - former Ch Supt David. 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. A Liverpool fan, he was present at the Hillsborough disaster, The not-guilty verdict over the Hillsborough tragedy has grave implications for society, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. But his acquittal does not undo his shameful lie. Supporters were not responsible for what happened. Assistant Commissioner Rob Beckley, who was in overall command of Operation Resolve - the criminal inquiry into the disaster, acknowledged the jury "had a difficult and challenging task". Yet this was not a doddery septuagenarian being persecuted inappropriately for actions long buried in the past. The matchday commander at Hillsborough was. Matt Hancock and the Lockdown Files: whats happening with the Covid inquiry? The jury at Mr Duckenfield's original trial earlier this year failed to agree a verdict. After the longest inquest in British history, lasting 90 days, a verdict of accidental death is returned by a majority verdict of 9-2. 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.". It was even more dispiriting to hear the defence barrister, Benjamin Myers QC, recycle all the rancid myths that grew out of Duckenfields dissembling: that fans turned up late, alcohol was a factor and supporters ignored police instructions. The acquittal was not a shock. 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. High Court judge Lord Goldring chairs the new inquests in Warrington, which last more than two years and becomes the longest jury case in British legal history. The High Court quashes the accidental death verdicts and new inquests are ordered. Sue Hemming, the CPS director of legal services, reacts to the decision by issuing a scathing statement. "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.". In 2015 at the Hillsborough Inquests he accepted that this was the direct cause of the 96 deaths. Ms Aspinall, chairwoman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, thanked those who had supported the families over the past 31 years. A jury found the former South. Read about our approach to external linking. They knew the law would let them down. One called out in court I dont want your apology and several walked out. "We, the families, have fought for 30 years valiantly.". "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. At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. The former match commander's solicitor, Ian Lewis, said: "David is of course relieved that the jury has found him not guilty, however his thoughts and sympathies remain with the families of those who lost their loved ones. Mr Duckenfields retrial starts at Preston Crown Court. David Duckenfield is one of six people to be charged with manslaughter over the deaths resulting from the disaster which claimed the lives of 96 fans. "With all due respect, my lord, 96 people were found unlawfully killed to a criminal standard," she said. The FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest ends in tragedy as a crush at the Leppings Lane end of Sheffield Wednesdays Hillsborough stadium leads to the death of 96 Liverpool fans, with more than 750 people injured. Mr Murray is acquitted and the jury is undecided on David Duckenfield. "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. 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. "I would like to know who is responsible for my father's death because someone is.". South Yorkshire coroner Dr Stefan Popper begins the inquest process into the deaths, but only considers events up until 3.15pm on the day of the disaster, nine minutes after the match was stopped, so the role of the emergency services after the disaster does not come under scrutiny. What happened in Sheffield was beyond horrific. The retired chief superintendent, 75, denied the charge relating to the FA Cup semi-final on April 15 1989. The ruling states that all the victims were dead by 3.15pm. His lawyers argued those errors were accepted only in hindsight, and through the fight put up to try and stop him being prosecuted it was clear that, by the time he uttered not guilty at his manslaughter plea hearing in September 2018, he did not think those failings were so bad they were criminal. He said himself, in Warrington, he considered his words to then FA Chief Executive Graham Kelly a lie. The court heard the chief superintendent ordered the opening of exit gates at the Leppings Lane end of the ground at 2.52pm, eight minutes before kick-off, after the area outside the turnstiles became dangerously overcrowded. 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 . Allen told the inquests last week that he had policed hundreds of football matches and attended thousands as a Liverpool fan. Following judicial advice, the PCA decides against proceeding against Mr Murray alone. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. Her adult life has been dominated by the quest to find the truth about her father and gain justice for him. The death of two witnesses and contradictions in the evidence of others is cited as part of the reason for the decision. 2.48pm: One of those gates, Gate C, is opened. 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