UK - Hillsborough, Inquest into the deaths of 96 people at the FA Cup semi-final game, 1989 mistrial

The empty seats.

I have never seen a map of where the dead were located. There ought to be one. It could help in future. Some of the most horrific photos are from people right behind the mesh fences, but I don't think that's where most of the victims died.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-27025687


I recently watched the excellent ESPN documentary on Hillsborough and became a bit obsessed. There's so much information out there. Here are some things that show where the victims were located. Be warned that this stuff can be distressing.

Video of fans in pens

If you forward to 8:30 of this video there is footage of Pens 3 & 4. They are already packed and this is right when the police were opening the exit gate on Leppings Lane, to let thousands more in. They have been able to identify many of the victims on this video,

Album of photos of pens from 14:46 to 15:06

Very distressing images of the suffering that went on on the terraces.

I haven't been able to find a clear plan of where the victims were located but you can reference this document, which is a map of the victims last seen dead and alive, and this document, which lists the victims by reference number. So, if you see the number 74 you can see it's Kester Ball and he was in Pen 3. In fact, most of the deceased were in Pen 3 and only 2 of them were among those crushed directly at the front of the fence. The majority were between the crush barrier that collapsed and the front line at the fence.

I'm not going to link to those close-up photos as they are quite traumatic, but they are easy to locate by searching Google images.
 
Hi, Margaret is the sister of a dear friend of mine.Her son was one of the dead at Hillsborough. She worked tirelessly for justice for all. I received this message today from Mary. Mary is my penfriends D I L..I say Bless Margaret...:seeya:

Good news, Mary's sister Margaret has been awarded a CBE, Commander of the British Empire!, she will be going to the Palace before long, to be invested with the award by the Queen.
 
Hillsborough disaster inquests verdict Liverpool fans unlawfully killed: updates from court

The inquests found

• Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed;


• Fans were in no way to blame;

• There were “major omissions” in police planning and preparation for the semi-final;

• Police response to the increasing crowds at Leppings Lane was “slow and uncoordinated”;

• Errors by commanding officers contributed to the crush on the terrace;

• Commanding officers failed to recognise pens were at capacity;

• Design and layout of the crush barriers in pen three and four were not fully compliant with safety regulations;

• Ambulance officers at the scene failed to ascertain the scale of the problem and the failure to call a major incident led to delays in responses to the emergency;

• A lack of communication, coordination and command and control by police.



JUSTICE! JUSTICE! JUSTICE! Finally!

Snotty mess here, can't put how I feel into words. Thoughts with the families and everyone who has campaigned and fought to get here. WE DID IT!!

Tick tock
 
The answers to the 14 questions asked of the jury:

Question 1: basic facts of the disaster

Do you agree with the following statement which is intended to summarise the basic facts of the disaster: “On 15 April, 1989, 96 people died in the disaster at Hillsborough stadium as a result of crushing in the central pens of the Leppings Lane terrace, following the admission of a large number of supporters to the stadium through exit gates.”

Answer: Yes.


Question 2: police planning for the semi-final match
Was there any error or omission in the police planning and preparation for the semi-final match on 15 April, 1989 which caused or contributed to the dangerous situation that developed on the day of the match?

Answer: Yes.

Explanation for answer:

The jury feel that there were major ommisions in the 1989 operational order including:


  • Specific instructions for managing the crowds outside the Leppings Lane turnstiles
  • specific instructions as to how the pens were to be filled and monitored
  • specific instructions as to who would be responsible for the monitoring of pens


Question 3: policing of the match and the situation at the turnstiles

Was there any error or omission in policing on the day of the match which caused or contributed to a dangerous situation developing at the Leppings Lane turnstiles?

Answer: Yes.

Explanation:


  • Police response to the increasing crowds at Leppings Lane was slow and uncoordinated
  • The road closure and sweep of fans exacerbated the situation
  • No filler cordons were placed in Leppings Lane
  • No contingency plans were made for the sudden arrival of a large number of fans
  • Attempts to close the perimeter gates were made too late


Question 4: policing of the match and the crush on the terrace

Was there any error or omission by commanding officers which caused or contributed to the crush on the terrace?

Answer: Yes.

Explanation:


  • Commanding officers should have ordered the closure of the central tunnel before the opening of gate C was requested, as pens 3 and 4 were full
  • Commanding officers should have requested [editor’s note: it is possible the jury meant ‘restricted’] the number of fans still to enter the stadium after 2.30 pm
  • Commanding officers failed to recognise that pens 3 and 4 were at capacity before gate C was opened
  • Commanding officers failed to order the closure of the tunnel as gate C was opened


Question 5: the opening of the gates

When the order was given to open the exit gates at the Leppings Lane end of the stadium, was there any error or omission by the commanding officers in the control box which caused or contributed to the crush on the terrace?

Answer: Yes.

Explanation:


  • Commanding officers did not inform officers in the inner concourcse poior to the opening of gate C
  • Commanding officers failed to consider where the incoming fans would go
  • Commanding officers failed to order the closure of the central tunnel prior to the opening of gate C


Question 6: determination on unlawful killing issue


Are you satisfied, so that you are sure, that those who died in the disaster were unlawfully killed?

Answer: Yes.


Question 7: behaviour of the supporters

Was there any behaviour on the part of football supporters which caused or contributed to the dangerous situation at the Leppings Lane turnstiles?

Answer: No.

If your answer to the question above is “no”, then was there any behaviour on the part of football supporters which which may have caused or contributed to the dangerous situation at the Leppings Lane turnstiles?

Answer: No.


Question 8: defects in Hillsborough stadium

Were there any features of the design, construction and layout of the stadium which you consider were dangerous or defective and which caused or contributed to the disaster?

Answer: Yes.


Question 9: licensing and oversight of Hillsborough stadium

Was there any error or omission in the safety certification and oversight of Hillsborough stadium that caused or contributed to the disaster?

Answer: Yes.


Question 10: conduct of Sheffield Wednesday FC before the day of the match

Was there any error or omission by Sheffield Wednesday FC (and its staff) in the management of the stadium and/or preparation for the semi-final match on 15 April, 1989 which caused or contributed to the dangerous situation that developed on the day of the match?

Answer: Yes.


Question 11: conduct of Sheffield Wednesday FC on the day of the match

Was there any error or omission by Sheffield Wednesday FC (and its staff) on 15 April, 1989 which caused or contributed to the dangerous situation that developed on the day of the match?

Answer: Yes.


Question 12: conduct of Eastwood & Partners

Should Eastwood & Partners [the club’s consultant engineers] have done more to detect and advise on any unsafe or unsatisfactory features of Hillsborough stadium which caused or contributed to the disaster?

Answer: Yes.


Question 13: emergency response and the role of the South Yorkshire police

After the crush in the west terrace had begun to develop, was there any error or omission by the police which caused or contributed to the loss of lives in the disaster?

Answer: Yes.


Question 14: emergency response and the role of the South Yorkshire metropolitan ambulance service (Symas)

After the crush in the west terrace had begun to develop, was there any error or omission by Symas which caused or contributed to the loss of lives in the disaster?

Answer: Yes.


http://www.theguardian.com/football/hillsborough-disaster

It's pretty damning and certainly some justice. I thought I'd read Duckenfield couldn't be prosecuted again, but maybe he can. Here's hoping:

The police commander whose actions led to the unlawful deaths of 96 fans at Hillsborough could face court again after today's damning inquest verdicts.

David Duckenfield said Liverpool supporters had smashed through a closed gate before kick-off, causing the crush, when in fact he had ordered it to be left open to ease congestion.

It was only 26 years later, having retired on a gold-plated police pension, that he was forced to admit this was the 'direct cause' of the tragedy and that he had lied to save his own skin.

Today the inquest found that his decision had caused or contributed to their deaths - and also meant that they were all unlawfully killed.

In 2000 the families of the dead brought a private manslaughter prosecution against Duckenfield, but a jury failed to reach a verdict. The Crown Prosecution Service could again choose to prosecute him after today's verdicts.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ence-biggest-cover-history.html#ixzz46vuGAtpW
 
Did a little air punch in Asda as the news came in and got a few odd looks.. about time! And "newspapers" like The Scum should also be prosecuted

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk
 
Duckenfield and 5 others charged over the deaths

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-40419819

Copied from the BBC article:

David Duckenfield faces manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 men, women and children.

Sir Norman Bettison faces four charges of misconduct in a public office relating to alleged lies he told in the aftermath about the culpability of fans

Graham Mackrell, former Sheffield Wednesday Club Secretary, will be accused of breaching Health and Safety and Safety at Sports Ground legislation

Peter Metcalf, who was a solicitor acting for SYP, is charged with perverting the course of Justice, relating to changes to witness statements

Former Ch Supt Donald Denton is accused of perverting the course of justice

Former Det Ch Insp Alan Foster is charged with perverting the course of justice
 
Hillsborough charges: Do not give suspects chance to claim they can't have a fair trial

In legal terms the proceedings against those charged are now “active”.
Under contempt laws this means nothing should be published that could cause a substantial risk of seriously prejudicing the legal process.
In essence, a process is now underway that could see those charged face a jury trial - and nothing should be done that could influence prospective jurors that someone is guilty.
This means social media posts - whether a profile has 10 or 10,000 followers - should not include comments that implies any suspect is guilty of the offence they have been accused of.
Doing so could provide a basis for a defendant to argue they can not get a fair hearing.

This is incredibly important.

One step closer... JFT96 :rose:
 
Hillsborough disaster criminal charges in full

Full details on the six individuals charged with criminal offences over the 1989 Hillsborough disaster

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

MANSLAUGHTER contrary to common law

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

DAVID GODFREY DUCKENFIELD , on the 15th day of April 1989, unlawfully killed _________ by gross negligence in that
i. As the Match Commander he owed ________ a duty to take reasonable care for the safety of those attending the Hillsborough Stadium as spectators in respect of the dangers from overcrowding and consequent crushing.
ii. In breach of that duty of care, he failed to take reasonable care:
a. to identify particular potential confining points and hazards to the safe entry of approximately 24,000 spectators arriving from the Leppings lane area of Hillsborough into the designated sections of the stadium;
b. to sufficiently monitor and assess the number and situation of spectators yet to enter within the stadium;
c. in good time to relieve crowding pressures on and from spectators seeking entry to the stadium;
d. to sufficiently monitor and assess the number and situation of spectators in pens 3 and 4;
e. in good time to prevent crushing to persons in pens three and four by the flow of spectators through the central tunnel.
iii. That breach of duty amounted to gross negligence
iv. That negligence was a substantial cause of the death of ________________

(As a common law offence, this carries a maximum sentence of imprisonment for life.)
STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

CONTRAVENING A TERM OR CONDITION OF A SAFETY CERTIFICATE, contrary to section 12(1)(d) of the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and by virtue of section 12(7) of the said Act.

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

GRAHAM HENRY MACKRELL
on the 15th day of April 1989, being the company secretary and a senior manager of Sheffield Wednesday Plc, consented to, connived at the company's offence, namely the contravention of Condition 6(1) of Schedule 2, General Terms and Conditions, of the Safety Certificate in respect of Hillsborough Stadium, in that being the Holder of the Safety Certificate it failed to agree, prior to the F.A. cup semi-final football match of the 15th day of April 1989, with the Chief Constable, or the Police Officer having charge of the Stadium on the occasion of the said football match, the methods of admission to be employed in connection with the said football match, in particular, the arrangements of and number of turnstiles to be used for admission into the west stand terraces and north-west terraces; or the commission of the said offence by the company was attributable to neglect on his part.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

CONTRAVENING A TERM OR CONDITION OF A SAFETY CERTIFICATE, contrary to section 12(1)(d) of the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and by virtue of section 12(7) of the said Act.

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

GRAHAM HENRY MACKRELL on the 15th day of April 1989, being the company secretary and a senior manager of Sheffield Wednesday Plc, consented to, connived at the company's offence, namely the contravention of Condition 28(1) of Schedule 2, General Terms and Conditions, of the Safety Certificate in respect of Hillsborough Stadium, in that being the Holder of the Safety Certificate it failed to make and keep available for inspection records of the numbers of spectators admitted to each area of the Stadium mentioned in Part 1 of Schedule 3 of the Safety Certificate, in particular the West Terrace and North West Terrace, during the F.A. cup semi-final football match; or the commission of the said offence by the company was attributable to neglect on his part.

(The maximum penalty on conviction on indictment is imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years)

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

FAILURE TO DISCHARGE A DUTY UNDER SECTION 7(a) OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ETC. ACT 1974, contrary to section 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

GRAHAM HENRY MACKRELL , between the 19th day of March and the 16th day of April 1989, being an employee at work within the meaning of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, failed to take reasonable care for the health and safety of other persons who may have been affected by his acts or omissions at work, in that he:

i. Failed to take reasonable care as the safety officer in respect of the drawing up and keeping up to date of records and plans of the ground
ii. Failed to take reasonable care as the safety officer in respect of arrangements for admission to the Hillsborough Stadium and particularly in respect of turnstiles being of such numbers as to admit at a rate whereby no unduly large crowds would be waiting for admission
iii. Failed to take reasonable care as the safety officer in respect of the drawing up of contingency plans, including arrangements with police for stopping an event, in particular, for coping with exceptionally large numbers of spectators arriving at the ground and to deal with situations where the available entrances at a ground have proved insufficient to stop unduly large crowds from gathering outside.

(The maximum penalty on conviction on indictment (i.e. at the crown court) is an unlimited fine.)

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

DOING ACTS TENDING AND INTENDED TO PERVERT THE COURSE OF PUBLIC JUSTICE.

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

PETER CHARLES METCALF
, between the 15th day of April 1989 and the 2nd day of August 1989, with intent to pervert the course of public justice, did a series of acts which had a tendency to pervert the course of public justice in that he provided advice on the amendment or alteration of accounts of South Yorkshire Police officers in respect of events at Hillsborough Stadium on 15th April 1989 that he knew were to be provided to West Midlands Police.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

DOING AN ACT TENDING AND INTENDED TO PERVERT THE COURSE OF PUBLIC JUSTICE.

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

PETER CHARLES METCALF
, on or before the 19th day of July 1990, with intent to pervert the course of public justice, did an act which had a tendency to pervert the course of public justice in that he drafted an addendum statement and advice in respect of the account of four South Yorkshire Police officers concerning the monitoring of pens in the stands at Hillsborough Stadium and sent the said advice and addendum statement to Peter Hayes.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

DOING ACTS TENDING AND INTENDED TO PERVERT THE COURSE OF PUBLIC JUSTICE

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

DONALD DENTON
, between the 15th day of April 1989 and the 2nd day of August 1989, with intent to pervert the course of public justice, did a series of acts which had a tendency to pervert the course of public justice in that he ordered the amendment or alteration of accounts of South Yorkshire Police officers in respect of the events at Hillsborough Stadium on 15th April 1989 that were provided to West Midlands Police.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

DOING ACTS TENDING AND INTENDED TO PERVERT THE COURSE OF PUBLIC JUSTICE.

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

DONALD DENTON
, between the 15th day of April 1989 and the 2nd day of August 1989, with intent to pervert the course of public justice, did a series of acts which had a tendency to pervert the course of public justice in that he provided to West Midlands Police accounts of South Yorkshire Police officers in respect of events at Hillsborough Stadium on 15th April 1989 that he knew had been altered or amended.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

DOING ACTS TENDING AND INTENDED TO PERVERT THE COURSE OF PUBLIC JUSTICE.

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

ALAN FOSTER , between the 15th day of April 1989 and the 2nd day of August 1989, with intent to pervert the course of public justice, did a series of acts which had a tendency to pervert the course of public justice in that he amended or altered the accounts of South Yorkshire Police officers in respect of the events at Hillsborough Stadium on 15th April 1989 that he knew were to be provided to West Midlands Police.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

DOING ACTS TENDING AND INTENDED TO PERVERT THE COURSE OF PUBLIC JUSTICE.

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

ALAN FOSTER , between the 15th day of April 1989 and the 2nd day of August 1989, with intent to pervert the course of public justice, did a series of acts which had a tendency to pervert the course of public justice in that he ordered the amendment or alteration of the accounts of South Yorkshire Police officers in respect of the events at Hillsborough Stadium on the 15th April 1989 that he knew were to be provided to West Midlands Police.

(As a common law offence, this carries a maximum sentence of imprisonment for life.)

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

MISCONDUCT IN A PUBLIC OFFICE

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

NORMAN GEORGE BETTISON
, on or before the 24th day of October 1998, being a public officer and acting as such, namely a serving police officer, without reasonable excuse or justification, wilfully misconducted himself to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public's trust in him, namely by untruthfully describing his role in the response of the South Yorkshire Police Force to the Hillsborough Stadium Disaster to Sir David O'Dowd as 'peripheral'.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

MISCONDUCT IN A PUBLIC OFFICE

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

NORMAN GEORGE BETTISON -, on the 2nd day of November 1998, being a public officer and acting as such, namely a serving police officer, without reasonable excuse or justification, wilfully misconducted himself to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public's trust in him, namely by untruthfully asserting in a statement made to the Merseyside Police Authority that he had "never attempted to shift blame onto the shoulders of Liverpool supporters" for the Hillsborough Stadium disaster

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

MISCONDUCT IN A PUBLIC OFFICE

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

NORMAN GEORGE BETTISON, on or before the 13th day of September 2012, being a public officer and acting as such, namely a serving police officer, without reasonable excuse or justification wilfully misconducted himself to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public's trust in him namely by causing, permitting or suffering a press release to be issued in his name which untruthfully asserted that he had "never, since hearing the Taylor evidence unfold, offered any other interpretation in public or private" than that the behaviour of supporters of Liverpool Football Club had not caused the Hillsborough Stadium Disaster.

STATEMENT OF OFFENCE

MISCONDUCT IN A PUBLIC OFFICE

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE

NORMAN GEORGE BETTISON
, or before the 14th day of September 2012, being a public officer and acting as such, namely a serving police officer, without reasonable excuse or justification wilfully misconducted himself to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public's trust in him namely by causing, permitting or suffering a press release to be issued in his name which untruthfully asserted he had never 'besmirched' supporters of Liverpool Football Club in relation to the Hillsborough Stadium Disaster.

(As a common law offence, this carries a maximum sentence of imprisonment for life).
 
A friend of mine who lives in Liverpool linked to this article last night on FB. It's not something I had thought of before. I've now seen it mentioned a few times on FB and Twitter and certainly looking at the few press articles, they are all being careful to just report on the charges and not give too much else away.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/hillsborough-charges-not-give-suspects-13250526


I really hope that these cases can go ahead and that justice can finally be served. Some of these charges (DD Manslaughter) should have been brought at the time. And the preverting the course of justice should never have been allowed. I found it most interesting that they have been at pains to say no one else will be charged - the police have taken the brunt of this.
 
The five men charged with criminal offences relating to the deaths of 96 people at the Hillsborough football ground in 1989 have made their first appearance as defendants at Preston crown court.

The five men face charges ranging from misconduct in a public office to attempting to pervert the course of justice. No formal pleas were entered during the hearing but the five have previously indicated their intention to deny the charges.

[...]

The five accused are Sir Norman Bettison, a former chief constable of Merseyside and West Yorkshire police, who was an inspector in the South Yorkshire force at the time of the disaster; Graham Mackrell, Sheffield Wednesday’s secretary and the club’s officially designated safety officer for its Hillsborough stadium; Peter Metcalf, the South Yorkshire police solicitor in 1989; Donald Denton, a former chief superintendent; and his then deputy, chief inspector Alan Foster.

[...]

The Crown Prosecution Service has announced its intention to also charge Duckenfield with gross negligence manslaughter of 95 of the men, women and children who died. No charge has been brought for the 96th victim, Tony Bland, who died after the statute of limitations on the offence had expired.

The CPS has now applied to the high court to lift a stay on further criminal proceedings against Duckenfield, which was imposed in 1999 after he had faced a private prosecution brought by bereaved Hillsborough families. Duckenfield will not be charged unless the high court removes the stay.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/sep/06/hillsborough-five-accused-appear-in-court
 
I do hope Duckenfield gets charged!

Gesendet von meinem SM-G950F mit Tapatalk
 
Prosecution can go ahead against Duckenfield.

Openshaw decided that a legal bar – a “stay” on prosecuting Duckenfield, which was imposed by the judge, Mr Justice Hooper, when he heard the bereaved families’ private prosecution of Duckenfield in 2000 – should be lifted.

Hillsborough police chief to face manslaughter trial
 
Prosecutors said insufficient evidence meant there was no real prospect of securing a conviction.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said because of changes in the evidence of two witnesses, and the death of a third, it would discontinue the case.

Police chief Hillsborough charges dropped

BBM. How can people still be changing their evidence now?
 
Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield to face trial for manslaughter

Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield will face trial for manslaughter after an application to halt his prosecution was rejected.

Duckenfield, 73, is due to stand trial on January 14 next year alongside former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell, 68, who is charged with an offence involving the stadium safety certificate and a health and safety offence.
 
The trial for Duckenfield and Mackrell starts tomorrow, expected to last 5 months.
____________________

Almost 30 years after 96 people were killed at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough football ground, the police officer who was in command of the match, David Duckenfield, will on Monday stand trial on a criminal charge of gross negligence manslaughter.

Manslaughter trial of Hillsborough police chief begins
 
Last edited:
The tial for Duckenfield and Mackrell starts tomorrow, expected to last 5 months.
____________________

Almost 30 years after 96 people were killed at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough football ground, the police officer who was in command of the match, David Duckenfield, will on Monday stand trial on a criminal charge of gross negligence manslaughter.

Manslaughter trial of Hillsborough police chief begins

We've been waiting a long time - justice for the 96 at last hopefully
 
The speed with which the cover up started was insane. I was watching Leeds that day and they made an announcement about it at half time. I can't remember how many they said were dead (I think it was about 2 and they maybe said about 5 at full time), but I do remember a weird emphasis on it being caused by crowd disorder. They should have still been trying to save lives at that time, not covering their arses.
 

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