Hillsborough charges announced by CPS


The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced that six individuals have been charged with criminal offences over the fatal crush at the Hillsborough football stadium disaster in April 1989 which killed 96 Liverpool fans. 


Match commander for the South Yorkshire Police (SYP) on the day of the disaster, David Duckenfield, is charged with 95 counts of gross negligence manslaughter.


The CPS explained that for legal reasons it was not able to charge the manslaughter of Anthony Bland, the 96th casualty, as he died almost four years later. 


Sheffield Wednesday Football Club’s company secretary and safety officer at the time, Graham Mackrell, is charged with offences under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. 


In addition, the solicitor acting for SYP during the Taylor Inquiry and the first inquests, Peter Metcalf, is charged with “doing acts with intent to pervert the course of public justice relating to material changes made to witness statements”. Former chief superintendent Donald Denton and former detective chief inspector Alan Foster are also charged for their involvement in this matter. 


Former chief constable Norman Bettison is charged with four offences of misconduct in public office relating to telling alleged lies about his involvement in the aftermath of the disaster and the culpability of fans.

www.cps.gov.uk/news/latest_news/hillsborough-charging-decisions