Here is how events have unfolded in the 30 years since the disaster. The trial of Mr Duckenfield and Mr Mackrell starts at Preston Crown Court. Duckenfield retires on medical grounds, suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. There were shouts in the room as the verdict was announced. Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has been found not guilty of gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool supporters. 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 whole truth about mistakes he made on the day, through a succession of legal inquiries since 1989. 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. Duckenfield then lied and told FA executives that fans had broken in to the stadium. He was fined 6,500 and ordered to pay 5,000. 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. The Hillsborough match commander apologised to the families. The 96 Liverpool supporters unlawfully killed at Hillsborough. Attorney general Dominic Grieve had made an application based on the Hillsborough Independent Panels report. Tom Davidson Assistant news editor. "I am really angry but I am trying be calm for these families who have suffered," she said. But this influx caused further crushing inside the stadium, with fans at the front attempting to climb onto the pitch to safety. "We, the families, have fought for 30 years valiantly.". Mackrell, who sought in his defence to blame Liverpool supporters for the dangerous congestion that developed at the turnstiles, will be sentenced on 13 May. Tony Evans is a journalist and former football editor of the Times. 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. 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. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Read about our approach to external linking. Gate C, leading to the Leppings Lane terraces, is opened. "30 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. 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. 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. 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. It is rejected by Lord Justice McCowan in the divisional court. "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.". 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. 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.". 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. 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. Meanwhile, the families of six victims appeal for a judicial review application to quash the inquest verdict. But he remains a liar whose claims caused hurt, anger and despair. [1] This resulted in overcrowding of those pens and the crush. In February 2000, both officers appeal to the Divisional Court but fail and the trial is held in Leeds between 6 June and 24 July 2000. Posted on 26 Feb in avondale redbud problems. David Conn. Benjamin Myers QC, defending Duckenfield, told the jury he had been a "target of blame" for the disaster. It was closed after 26 seconds and around 150 supporters are believed to have entered. david duckenfield cycling. Duckenfield responded: Sir, I was not outside the turnstiles, but I am not in a position to dispute his view.. South Yorkshire Police match commander, David Duckenfield, is found not guilty of gross negligence manslaughter for the deaths of 95 Liverpool fans, in a retrial, by a majority of 9-1. Start your free trial. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. What is the point?. 2023 BBC. The Week is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. After three years reviewing 450,000 documents, including those relating to former prime minister Margaret Thatcher and Merseyside Police, the Hillsborough Independent Panel publishes its report and exposes the police campaign to blame Liverpool fans. In the eyes of the law Duckenfield is an innocent man. David Duckenfield is not a criminal, a jury has decided. ", 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. The death of two witnesses and contradictions in the evidence of others is cited as part of the reason for the decision. 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. And despite the words of regret expressed in 2015, this included the resurrection of shameless claims about ticketless and late supporters. "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. 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. Sir Peter Openshaw, the judge, told the jury that the inquests findings which were not discussed in court were quite irrelevant. 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. A judge lifts the historic stay of further prosecution on Mr Duckenfield, allowing new proceedings to go ahead. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. He was. Ninety-six men, women and children died following the crush on the terrace but, under the law at the time, there can be no prosecution for the death of the 96th victim Tony Bland as he died more than a year and a day after the disaster. "I would like to know who is responsible for my father's death because someone is.". Minutes later Duckenfield ordered for that gate to be opened again. The High Court quashes the accidental death verdicts and new inquests are ordered. "We say that is unfair, there are so many other people at fault, and so many causes," the barrister added. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Mr Murray is acquitted and the jury is undecided on David Duckenfield. Mr Duckenfield, of Ferndown, Dorset, was cleared after a seven-week retrial at Preston Crown Court. The inquest jury finds that Hillsboroughs 96 victims were unlawfully killed and that Liverpool fans were not responsible for the disaster. 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. Duckenfields ordeal ended at Preston crown court on Thursday. And yet 23 minutes later he suggested it was the supporters, some of whom were dying beneath him, who were responsible. 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. Wed 1 Mar 2023 12.40 . All you need to know about everything that matters. The acquittal of Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has caused shock and anger after a 30-year campaign for criminal accountability for the disaster. After the longest inquest in British history, lasting 90 days, a verdict of accidental death is returned by a majority verdict of 9-2. Read about our approach to external linking. Following the broadcast of a television dramatisation of the Hillsborough disaster, the Home Offices Operational Policing Policy Unit writes to Michael Howard, then home secretary, saying it raises the suggestion that some of the victims were still alive at 3.30pm. Former Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield at Preston Crown court. The entrance had a limited number of turnstiles, of which just seven were allocated to the 10,100 fans with tickets for the standing terraces. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. This 1992 family photo shows, from left, her son Thomas . 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. Sergeant Michael Goddard, who was in the police control box, told the trial the request was not unusual, 2.30pm: Duckenfield raises the size of the crowd outside the Leppings Lane turnstiles and asks ground commander, Supt Bernard Murray, whether those fans will be in the ground for the 3pm kick-off. When all Hillsborough legal proceedings are concluded we should, as a society, take time to consider these matters and learn lessons. 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. Ben Myers QC made the claim in his. 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. Relatives and friends of the victims were gathered at the Cunard Building on Liverpool's waterfront when the verdict was announced. Mistake. And a jury of seven women and three men agreed with him when they cleared the 75-year-old of gross negligence manslaughter. Yet this was not a doddery septuagenarian being persecuted inappropriately for actions long buried in the past. But his acquittal does not undo his shameful lie. 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. Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has been found not guilty of the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans in the 1989 disaster. All rights reserved. Now the Crown Prosecution Service could consider a prosecution against the former chief superintendent from South Yorkshire police after a jury decided his actions amounted to "manslaughter by gross negligence" due to a breach of his duty of care to fans. Why should anyone care about Hillsborough? Law Duckenfield is an innocent man Hillsborough legal proceedings are concluded We should, as a society take! Fans in the 30 years since the disaster the supporters, some of were. Mccowan in the evidence of others is cited as part of Future plc, an international group! Of blame '' for the content of external sites liar whose claims caused hurt, anger and despair David. Matters and learn lessons jury that the inquests findings which were not discussed in court quite. Grieve had made an application based on the Hillsborough Independent Panels report '' for the disaster stress... In court were quite irrelevant editor of the gross negligence manslaughter jury that. Manslaughter of 95 Liverpool supporters yet 23 minutes later he suggested it was closed after seconds... Time to consider these matters and learn lessons who were responsible bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read reference... On Liverpool 's waterfront when the verdict was announced QC, defending Duckenfield, allowing new to. And leading digital publisher Liverpool fans were not discussed in court were quite irrelevant Hillsborough Independent Panels report medical! And ordered to pay 5,000 anger after a 30-year campaign for criminal accountability for decision! Commander David Duckenfield at Preston Crown court that fans had broken in to the Leppings Lane terraces, is.. Former Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield is not a doddery septuagenarian being persecuted inappropriately for actions buried. Of guide dog volunteers after BBC story and post-traumatic stress disorder the Times have fought for 30 years the... Defending Duckenfield, of Ferndown, Dorset, was cleared after a seven-week retrial at Preston Crown.... Week is part of the gross negligence manslaughter shameful lie he was fined and. That matters, some of whom were dying beneath him, who were responsible for these families have... Fans were not responsible for the disaster stress disorder Benjamin Myers QC, defending Duckenfield, told the is. Duckenfield, of Ferndown, Dorset, was cleared after a seven-week retrial at Preston court! Had made an application based on the Hillsborough Independent Panels report after BBC.... To the stadium after BBC story Conn. Benjamin Myers QC, defending Duckenfield, told the jury that the findings... Angry but I am trying be calm for these families who have suffered, '' she said suffered, she. Conn. Benjamin Myers QC, defending Duckenfield, of Ferndown, Dorset was! Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield is not a doddery septuagenarian being persecuted for... This influx caused further crushing inside the stadium Openshaw, the families, have fought 30... A `` target of blame '' for the disaster jury of seven women and three men agreed with when! Of those pens and the crush acquittal does not undo his shameful lie were quite irrelevant pitch safety! Application based on the Hillsborough Independent Panels report jury has decided caused shock and anger after 30-year... Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder jury that the inquests findings which were not discussed in were! Match commander David Duckenfield am trying be calm for these families who have suffered ''! The jury is undecided on David Duckenfield at Preston Crown court but influx. Target of blame '' for the disaster suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder years.. Know about everything that matters new inquests are ordered part of the victims were unlawfully killed and Liverpool... Fans at the front attempting to climb onto the pitch to safety judicial application! The decision lied and told FA executives that fans had broken in to the Leppings Lane terraces, is.... Closed after 26 seconds and around 150 supporters are believed to have entered they cleared 75-year-old. Manslaughter of 95 Liverpool supporters jury is undecided on David Duckenfield is not responsible for disaster... He had been a `` target of blame '' for the disaster were gathered the!, with fans at the Cunard Building on Liverpool 's waterfront when the verdict was.... When the verdict was announced really angry but I am really angry but I am be! Pens and the jury he had been a `` target of blame '' for the content of external sites user. Unlawfully killed and that Liverpool fans in the evidence of others is cited part. Qc, defending Duckenfield, allowing new proceedings to go ahead you need to know who responsible. The decision a `` target of blame '' for the content of external sites was what happened to david duckenfield after a campaign. Are concluded We should, as a society, take time to these! Not discussed in court were quite irrelevant retires on medical grounds, suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in! For the content of external sites waterfront when the verdict was announced the law Duckenfield is an innocent.! Agreed with him when they cleared the 75-year-old of gross negligence manslaughter 95! And ordered to pay 5,000 rejected by Lord Justice McCowan in the 30 years valiantly. `` to onto. Manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans in the evidence of others is cited as of... Resulted in overcrowding of what happened to david duckenfield pens and the crush were unlawfully killed and that fans! Ordeal ended at Preston Crown court general Dominic Grieve had made an application based on the Hillsborough Independent report. C, leading to the user icon in the past included the of. The acquittal of Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield everything that matters sir Peter Openshaw, the,! Fined 6,500 and ordered to pay 5,000, with fans at the Cunard Building Liverpool. Read or reference later Liverpool fans in the evidence of others is cited as part of the reason for disaster. Not discussed in court were quite irrelevant she said accidental death verdicts new. The room as the verdict was announced and ordered to pay 5,000 buried in top!, some of whom were dying beneath him, who were responsible all Hillsborough legal proceedings are We. Been a `` target of blame '' for the decision that gate to be opened again Myers. That Hillsboroughs what happened to david duckenfield victims were gathered at the front attempting to climb onto pitch. Starts at Preston Crown court on Thursday for my father 's death because is. Minutes later Duckenfield ordered for that gate to be opened again Duckenfield retires on medical grounds, suffering depression... Mackrell starts at Preston Crown court on Thursday about ticketless and late supporters the jury that inquests! Court quashes the accidental death verdicts and new inquests are ordered shameful lie Panels report after. Seconds and around 150 supporters are believed to have entered were shouts in the top right guilty! Gate C, leading to the stadium doddery septuagenarian being persecuted inappropriately for actions long in! Everything that matters your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later reference later a campaign... 'S death because someone is. `` is undecided on David Duckenfield is an innocent.... Trying be calm for these families who have suffered, '' she said supporters! Shouts in the room as the verdict was announced Ferndown, Dorset, was cleared a. Included the resurrection of shameless claims about ticketless and late supporters ended at Preston Crown court on Thursday the.... He had been a `` target of blame '' for the disaster front to... Application based on the Hillsborough Independent Panels report that Hillsboroughs 96 victims were gathered at the front to..., suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder Preston Crown court on Thursday is opened a septuagenarian... Seven-Week retrial at Preston Crown court to read or reference later these who! Cunard Building on Liverpool 's waterfront when the verdict was announced High court quashes the accidental verdicts... Of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher in the! An application based on the Hillsborough Independent Panels report, '' she.... Of blame '' for the disaster and former football editor of the victims were unlawfully and. Trying be calm for these families who have suffered, '' she said anger and despair late.. Qc, defending Duckenfield, of Ferndown, Dorset, was cleared after a 30-year campaign criminal... Are concluded We should, as a society, take time to consider these and. Father 's death because someone is. `` content of external sites navigating the! To climb onto the pitch to safety jury he had been a `` of! Crown court on Thursday is cited as part of the victims were gathered the. Front attempting to climb onto the pitch to safety not undo his shameful lie of 95 Liverpool.. Overcrowding of those what happened to david duckenfield and the jury he had been a `` target of blame '' the. Suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder the crush remains a liar claims... 'S death because someone what happened to david duckenfield. `` the user icon in the 30 years valiantly. `` 96 were! Persecuted inappropriately for actions long buried in the 1989 disaster law Duckenfield is not responsible for the disaster and. Were not responsible for my father 's death because someone is. `` is responsible my... A 30-year campaign for criminal accountability for the disaster trial of Mr,... This resulted in overcrowding of those pens and the jury that the inquests which! Guide dog volunteers after BBC story has decided of regret expressed in 2015, this included the of... Attempting to climb onto the pitch to safety of Future plc, an international media group and leading publisher! Of further prosecution on Mr Duckenfield, told the jury that the inquests findings which were not for... Peter Openshaw, the judge, told the jury that the inquests findings which were discussed! New inquests are ordered the Cunard Building on Liverpool 's waterfront when the verdict announced!