Hillsborough families hail 'the beginning of the end' in their 28-year struggle for justice

St George's Hall in Liverpool illuminated following a special commemorative service to mark the outcome of the Hillsborough inquest, which ruled that 96 Liverpool fans who died as a result of the Hillsborough disaster were unlawfully killed.
St George's Hall in Liverpool illuminated following a special commemorative service to mark the outcome of the Hillsborough inquest, which ruled that 96 Liverpool fans who died as a result of the Hillsborough disaster were unlawfully killed Credit: Peter Byrne 

The families of the Hillsborough victims have hailed the “beginning of the end” in their 28-year struggle for justice following the decision to prosecute the match day police commander over 95 deaths. 

Five other people were also charged with offences surrounding the deaths of Liverpool fans at Hillsborough stadium on April 15, 1989. 

Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield
Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield Credit: John Giles 

The victims’ relatives broke into applause at being told that the former South Yorkshire Police chief superintendent David Duckenfield and retired chief  constable Sir Norman Bettison would be facing criminal charges.

Former Merseyside Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison
Former Merseyside Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison Credit: Peter Byrne 

The prosecution case against Mr Duckenfield represents one of the largest number of homicide victims ever brought before the courts in a single case. 

Two other senior former officers and South Yorkshire Police’s lawyer were charged with perverting the course of justice, while Sheffield Wednesday’s then club secretary was charged with health and safety offences. 

police, stewards and supporters tend and care for wounded supporters on the pitch at Hillsborough Stadium, in Sheffield, England
Police, stewards and supporters tend and care for wounded supporters on the pitch at Hillsborough Stadium, in Sheffield, England in 1989 Credit: AP

The decision follows a dogged campaign by the Hillsborough families to bring authorities to account for the events leading up to the tragedy – and the alleged cover-up after it.

Margaret Aspinall, chairman of Hillsborough Family Support Group said relatives had suffered “hell on Earth” in pursuit of the truth.

“To me now this is the beginning of the end, definitely the beginning of the end,” said Mrs Aspinall, whose 18-year-old son, James, died in the tragedy.

Trevor Hicks and Margaret Aspinall speak to the press outside Parr Hall, where the Crown Prosecution Service announced its Hillsborough disaster charging decision, in Warrington
Trevor Hicks and Margaret Aspinall speak to the press outside Parr Hall, where the Crown Prosecution Service announced its Hillsborough disaster charging decision, in Warrington Credit: Andrew Yates

“No one should have to go through what the families have gone through for 28 years to try and get to the truth and to get accountability.” 

Mr Duckenfield, 72, who was the officer in command on the day of the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, faces manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 men, women and children.

The Crown Prosecution Service was unable to charge him with the manslaughter of the 96th victim, Anthony Bland, on a technicality because he died almost four years later. 

Sir Norman Bettison, 61, who retired as chief constable of West Yorkshire Police, was charged  with four offences of misconduct in public office for allegedly lying over his involvement in the aftermath and about the “culpability of fans”. 

Former chief superintendent Donald Denton and ex-detective chief inspector Alan Foster were charged with intent to pervert the course of justice. So too was Peter Metcalf, who was the solicitor acting for South Yorkshire Police at the previous Taylor inquiry and the first inquests. 

Trevor Hicks, who lost daughters Sarah and Vicki, said: “There will be six people facing criminal charges who might not have done if we hadn’t have been resilient and all stuck together and fought this long fight.”  Ian Lewis, solicitor for Mr Duckenfield and Mr Denton, said it would be “inappropriate” to comment. 

In a statement, Sir Norman vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He said: “I am disappointed to be charged with misconduct in a public office. The charge is not in relation to my actions around the time of the disaster but in relation to comments I made years afterwards. I will vigorously defend my innocence as I have been doing for nearly five years.” 

A date for Mr Duckenfield’s court appearance is yet to be fixed. The others will appear at Warrington magistrates’ court on Aug 9.  

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