Hillsborough

[Kwacky]

Former Ch Supt David Duckenfield faces being charged with the manslaughter of 95 people at the Hillsborough disaster.

Mr Duckenfield was the South Yorkshire Police (SYP) match commander at the FA Cup semi-final when 96 Liverpool fans were fatally injured in a crush.

He faces the charge of manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 fans. Former SYP Ch Insp Norman Bettison is charged over alleged lies in the aftermath.

Four others will also be prosecuted. Victims' relatives have been informed.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-me ... e-40419819" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That will be a massive trial.

[Cav]

What happened to the 96th person?

[Kwacky]

He died 4 years after the incident when the Court ruled his life support could be withdrawn. He died too long after the event for his death to be included in the manslaughter charge.

[D41]

Seems like Mr.Duckenfield is in a bit of a tight spot??

[Kwacky]

He had best start putting his affairs into order. Once that trial starts he won't be going anywhere.

[D41]

It'll end up being squashed on appeal.

[Kwacky]

How so?

[D41]

Variety of reasons, but in particular after this much time I don't think the case against this man has become stronger, has it?? Certainly the memories will remain strong in the main part for families of those who died....but in the eyes of jurors??

[Kwacky]

Do you mean quashed?

He's charged with killing 95 people and his own testimony at the Inquest put him in that position.

He's not getting out of this.

[Monty]

He's charged with killing 95 people and his own testimony at the Inquest put him in that position

Yep, he admitted in court to making mistakes as the match commander that lead to their deaths and confessed to lying at the time to cover it up.

[D41]

Do you mean quashed?

He's charged with killing 95 people and his own testimony at the Inquest put him in that position.

He's not getting out of this.

Nope...I defo meant squashed..../

But if he admitted a portion of guilt then OK, point taken.

Why has this taken almost three decades to resolve??...this is not a unsolved crime where they're short on suspects??

[Kwacky]

They've been pressing for this since it happened. The initial police report blamed it all on fans. The Justice for the 96 group wouldn't accept that and continued to press for a public investigation, which they finally got. The police admitted they changed witness statements and evidence. Hence the prosecutions.

[Monty]

It's also the reason The Sun isn't on sale in Liverpool

[D41]

......Every cloud....

[Jack]

Do you think they would be facing such heavy charges if they admitted their mistakes at the time ? Obviously those charged with covering up the truth would not be in the position they are now , but I think if they came clean at the time there would have been repercussions but probably not criminal charges , or at least significantly less severe charges possibly for negligence and such .

[Kwacky]

I think you're right. We would have had the usual changes to rules and laws but I'm sure none of those involved would be facing criminal charges. A resignation or two would probably have been enough.

[D41]

So civil rather than criminal for the most part...that makes sense.