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. It may sound like a clich to say lessons must be learnt, but todays verdict means this has never been more relevant or important. 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. Former superintendent Roger Marshall agreed match. That should never have happened, and we will continue to learn the . 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". ", "It is important to remember that criminal proceedings have a very different purpose to an inquest.". VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. An investigation was launched after more than 1,500 police pocket notebooks relevant to the Hillsborough disaster were uncovered weeks before the trial of David Duckenfield was due to start, it. "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. But in November 1991, a House of Lords ruling states that the chief constable of South Yorkshire has admitted liability in negligence in respect of the deaths and physical injuries. 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. And 30 years means many people, especially families, have had to constantly relive their terrible experience.". 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. Last year it was confirmed no-one else would face prosecution for the unlawful killing of 96 men, women and children. 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. But while his acquittal means he did not fail to a criminal standard, it does not mean he did not fail at all. "But, as both counsel have advised you and I will now direct you, as you go about your duty you must put aside your emotions and sympathies, either for the bereaved families or indeed for Mr Duckenfield, and decide the case with a cold, calm and dispassionate review of the evidence that you have heard in court.". What's he waiting for? 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. This is because he died more than a year and a day after his injuries were caused. The collapse of the latest Hillsborough trial comes after 30 years of legal battles over responsibility for the disaster, which claimed 96 lives on 15 April 1989. Sir Peter Openshaw, the judge, told the jury that the inquests findings which were not discussed in court were quite irrelevant. Men, women and children were crushed on the Leppings Lane terrace. 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. Civil actions seeking damages starts within days of the disaster, both from relatives of the victims and survivors who have suffered physical injuries and psychological effects. The former chief superintendent said he "deeply regretted" not telling then-FA chief executive Graham Kelly that it was his decision that caused the fatal crush saying he would regret the lie "to his dying day". "I think it's fair to say that it is arguably one of the biggest regrets of my life, that I did not foresee where fans would go when they came in through the gates," he said. Amid growing calls for transparency, the Hillsborough Independent Panel is set up. 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. A judge lifts the historic stay of further prosecution on Mr Duckenfield, allowing new proceedings to go ahead. Duckenfield added that he had no idea what motivated him to blame other people for his mistakes. He was fined 6,500 and ordered to pay 5,000. The stories of personal loss and individual pain have too often been overlooked. 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. Jurors hear how a PCs account of the disaster was changed to remove criticisms of police, but notes about drunk fans were kept in. All this had been comprehensively dismissed at the inquests. avid Duckenfield can finally rest easily. The verdict defies logic. Former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie apologises for the papers 1989 front page. Duckenfield stood trial earlier this year but the jury was discharged after failing to reach a verdict and a retrial was ordered. The CPS announces that a police officer and a farrier will not be prosecuted over allegations that they fabricated a story about a police horse being burnt with cigarettes at Hillsborough. 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. The story prompts a boycott of the paper on Merseyside, still upheld by many today. Posted on 26 Feb in avondale redbud problems. 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. 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. Gate C, leading to the Leppings Lane terraces, is opened. 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. David Conn Tue 1 Apr 2014 16.32 EDT The South Yorkshire police officer in charge of the 1989 FA Cup semi-final at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough football ground, at which 96 Liverpool. By 2.45pm, thousands of people were pressing into the turnstiles and alongside a large exit gate. But the Hillsborough families and survivors will find the outcome hard to take and will ask hard questions about the 65m spent on a criminal investigation which has ended with no one convicted for so many lives lost. Several people whose family members died at Hillsborough in 1989 walked out of the new inquests into the disaster as the former policeman who commanded the FA Cup semi-final tried to explain why he had not told the truth for 26 years, and apologised again to them. 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 Duckenfield, now 71, had claimed that after a large crowd built up outside the turnstiles at the Leppings Lane end of the stadium, Liverpool fans had broken in, causing a rush of people to flood into the fenced-in terraces. The citys council cancelled a planned outdoor commemoration event and instead will light 96 lanterns on the steps of St Georges Hall. Jury fails to reach a verdict on the charges against Mr Duckenfield, but convicts Mr Mackrell of a health and safety offence. The CPS spokeswoman said: "The disaster at Hillsborough 30 years ago has caused unimaginable suffering to the families of those who sadly lost their lives and to everybody affected by the tragic events of that day. Match commander tells inquest that watching a documentary made him realise the effect the disaster had on the bereaved families. Video, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. It fuels calls for a new inquiry and is later awarded a Bafta. The new Hillsborough inquests start in Warrington, and go on to become the longest case ever heard by a British jury. But ultimately the buck stops with me., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Evelyn Newman Duckenfield, center, died at age 81 of covid-19 on Jan 25. Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has been found not guilty of the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans in the 1989 disaster. When all Hillsborough legal proceedings are concluded we should, as a society, take time to consider these matters and learn lessons. 0 . 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. ", Hillsborough inquests: What you need to know, 14 questions the Hillsborough jury answered, Human error to blame for train crash - Greek PM, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. It leads to a new criminal inquiry into the disaster and an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission. ", Clive Coleman, BBC legal affairs correspondent. The retired chief . The jury at the inquests returned a verdict of unlawful killing, reversing the 1990 ruling of accidental deaths. 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. David Duckenfield, who was the chief superintendent in charge of the game between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, told FA officials at 3.15pm that "a gate had been forced and there had been an. 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. 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. Who has been left to carry the weight and pain of the disaster? But then two years ago I had to force myself to look at matters and, as a result, I could only do so with the assistance of doctors. Duckenfield did not give evidence in the trial as the court heard he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Here is how events have unfolded in the 30 years since the disaster. The former chief superintendent of South Yorkshire police, David Duckenfield, leaves after giving evidence to the Hillsborough inquest in Warrington. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric'. The Hillsborough match commander was cleared of gross negligence manslaughter. On 28 November, the remaining jurors acquit Mr Duckenfield of gross negligence manslaughter, as the investigating police officer says the delay between the disaster and the trial should not have been allowed to happen. Former Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield at Preston Crown court. The 96 Liverpool supporters unlawfully killed at Hillsborough. david duckenfield cycling david duckenfield cycling. That cowardly deceit set the tone for everything that followed. "The journey that reached today's stage, and will continue, is testament to the perseverance and determination of all involved in the ongoing campaign for justice," the club said. 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. We need to be able to trust the emergency services and the systems that are set up to protect the populace. 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. Christine Burke, whose father Henry Burke was killed in the disaster, stood in the public gallery and addressed the judge after the verdict was read out. Summing up the case, the judge said: "The deaths of 96 spectators, many of whom were very young, is, of course, a profound human tragedy attended by much anguish and anger which for many has not passed with time. The following March, a Home Office meeting consideres material submitted by the Hillsborough Family Support Group (HFSG) calling for a new inquiry but advice to the attorney general says the 3.15pm cut-off had been fully justifiable. The High Court quashes the accidental death verdicts and new inquests are ordered. "I would like to know who is responsible for my father's death because someone is.". Duckenfields ordeal ended at Preston crown court on Thursday. 2.48pm: One of those gates, Gate C, is opened. Christine Burke tearfully spoke from the gallery after the verdict was delivered and said that the 96 were unlawfully killed and she wants to know who is responsible, reports the Liverpool Echo. He said himself, in Warrington, he considered his words to then FA Chief Executive Graham Kelly a lie. 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. Minimal treatment would have saved many of the victims. It also prompts calls for criminal action. The decision is taken to withdraw feeding and hydration from 96th victim Tony Bland, who has remained in a persistent vegetative state since receiving his injuries at Hillsborough. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. David Duckenfield is not a criminal, a jury has decided. Minutes later Duckenfield ordered for that gate to be opened again. David Duckenfield, who as an inexperienced chief superintendent in the South Yorkshire police was in charge of the match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, admitted he had not told the. The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) find there is sufficient evidence to charge them with neglect of duty but Mr Duckenfield is on sick leave during the process, and retires on medical grounds in November 1991. "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.". The finding undermines the decision made by the coroner in the first inquests to limit their scope to events before 3.15pm, and not consider the chaotic medical response after that point. Inquests open in Sheffield, heard by the local coroner, and South Yorkshire Police renews its argument that drunk supporters who arrived late and without tickets contributed to the disaster. "We say that is unfair, there are so many other people at fault, and so many causes," the barrister added. Thirty years later he remained a man who sought, via his lawyers, to do the same thing. 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. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Read about our approach to external linking. The man who caused so much pain has escaped the consequences. 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 scrutiny goes ahead but in February 1998, Lord Justice Stuart-Smith rejects grounds for quashing the accidental death verdicts or bringing prosecutions. This halts disciplinary proceedings being brought by the Police Complaints Authority. 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. Following judicial advice, the PCA decides against proceeding against Mr Murray alone. Read about our approach to external linking. 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.". Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Debate about Hillsborough should not be about football or the city of Liverpool; this is a matter of civic safety that has implications for everyone in British society. The jury was shown pictures of fans in the Leppings Lane end of the stadium as the disaster unfolded, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The Hillsborough Family Support Group mounts a private prosecution of Duckenfield and his deputy, superintendentBernard Murray, for manslaughter. The acquittal of Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has caused shock and anger after a 30-year campaign for criminal accountability for the disaster. What happened in Sheffield was beyond horrific. 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. Flags will be flown at half-mast across the city, and the bells of the Town Hall will toll 96 times. Due to the law at the time, there can be no prosecution over the death of the 96th victim, Tony Bland. David Duckenfield, the police commander at the Hillsborough football stadium disaster, was on Thursday found not guilty of the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans who were. It is hard to comprehend how the relatives have maintained their dignity in the face of numerous disappointments and crass treatment from the authorities. Mr Duckenfield said that, in the pressure of the day, he froze and did not consider the consequences of his actions. The findings heavily criticise the police operation, stadium layout and design, and local ambulance service. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. 2.17pm: Superintendent Roger Marshall requests for Leppings Lane to be closed to traffic. Former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell, 69, stood trial alongside Duckenfield in January and was found guilty of a health and safety offence for failing to ensure there were enough turnstiles to prevent unduly large crowds building up outside the ground. And yet 23 minutes later he suggested it was the supporters, some of whom were dying beneath him, who were responsible. "We, the families, have fought for 30 years valiantly.". 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. Sir, I am the man in overall control, he replied. The trial of Mr Duckenfield and Mr Mackrell starts at Preston Crown Court. At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. The funnel-shaped nature of the area meant that the congestion was hard to escape for those at the front, says the BBC. 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. 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. Only one ambulance made it onto the pitch; 42 remained in a queue outside. D avid Duckenfield can finally rest easily. 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 . I seek guidance from people with greater experience and expertise than me. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. The jury fails to reach a verdict on Duckenfield. David Duckenfield is charge with gross negligence manslaughter of 96 victims, while former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell is charged with two health and safety offences. Duckenfield, a retired chief superintendent, 75, denied the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool supporters at the FA Cup semi-final on April 15 1989. There has been barely any for those who were mindbogglingly inept at Hillsborough. PC Maxwell Groome was on duty for the match at Sheffield Wednesdays stadium. "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.". ", "I have no excuses. Evidence was put to Duckenfield, who had very limited experience of football policing before he was promoted to command the semi-final only 19 days earlier, from Colin Allen, a Merseyside policeman who went to the match as a Liverpool supporter and survived the crush. Hennesseys daughter Charlotte, who was six at the time of the disaster, has had the course of her existence changed. All rights reserved. But despite it finding that police evidence to the Taylor inquiry had been doctored, home secretary Jack Straw rules out a new inquiry. 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. For one teacher, it was a life well-lived. He vomited inside the bag before he died. For the sake of the 96 innocent people who died 30 years ago, something like this should never happen again.. In July 2000, Murray is acquitted after a six-week trial. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Why Covid lab-leak theory is now being taken seriously, 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. As fans were dying he suggested they were responsible for the crush that was a consequence of his decision. Unlike Duckenfield, the families, survivors and those affected by Hillsborough cannot sleep easy. "I hid myself away and could not bear the word Hillsborough", he said. " Tom Davidson Assistant news editor. 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, Duckenfield said. The Crown Prosecution Service says changes in the evidence of two witnesses and the death of a third meant that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. Start your free trial. Inquests into the 96 football fans who died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster have concluded they were unlawfully killed. No one should have to suffer the emotional damage that comes with such a burden. 91.195.53.16 This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. But his acquittal does not undo his shameful lie. The former South Yorkshire Police chief. 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. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Latest trial follows two sets of inquests, private prosecutions and civil proceedings over the disaster, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. Prosecutors allege Duckenfield should have taken action to close the tunnel that led to those pens, a tactic his lawyer said he and other experienced officers were unaware of, but which the court heard had been used at Hillsborough before. If things go wrong it is important that investigations explain why and ensure the situation never occurs again. Ms Aspinall, chairwoman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, thanked those who had supported the families over the past 31 years. Live reporting from the Hillsborough Inquests, Families and players react to conclusions. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Sir Norman Bettison, the former police chief constable accused of blaming fans for the disaster, has all four criminal charges against him dropped. About 45 family members watched the verdict from the Cunard building in Liverpool, where the trial was screened. There were shouts in the room as the verdict was announced. It has dashed their hopes repeatedly over the years. The jury found match commander - former Ch Supt David. 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. He said this minutes after he - the man tasked with keeping those people safe - had ordered for exit gates to be opened. 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. "Everybody knew the truth, the fans and police knew the truth that we'd opened the gates," he said. 30 years means evidence has been corroded and some people and organisations cannot answer for their actions because they are no longer with us. But this influx caused further crushing inside the stadium, with fans at the front attempting to climb onto the pitch to safety. It was not opened on orders from the police control box but by police in the area to eject a fan. And a jury of seven women and three men agreed with him when they cleared the 75-year-old of gross negligence manslaughter. Duckenfield was a public servant who failed in his basic duties to the people he was charged with protecting. The defendant's conduct must fall so far below the standard to be expected of a reasonably competent and careful person in the defendant's position, that it was something truly, exceptionally bad. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Expert policing witness Douglas Hopkins said this was a potential warning sign. The inquest heard Mr Duckenfield testify he was struggling to sleep in the run-up to the 1989 Taylor Inquiry, and claimed to be drinking "half tumblers of whisky" to "find the courage" to read statements. "I would like to know who is responsible for my father's death because someone is.". 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. ACC Jackson was alongside Duckenfield within minutes of the match being stopped. Because of the length of time between the disaster and his death, the law does not allow Mr Duckenfield to be charged with Mr Blands manslaughter. 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.
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