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Hillsborough match commander cleared of 95 counts of manslaughter

The police officer who was in charge during the Hillsborough disaster has been cleared of gross n...
Michael Staines
Michael Staines

15.50 28 Nov 2019


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Hillsborough match commander c...

Hillsborough match commander cleared of 95 counts of manslaughter

Michael Staines
Michael Staines

15.50 28 Nov 2019


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The police officer who was in charge during the Hillsborough disaster has been cleared of gross negligence manslaughter.

Match Commander David Duckenfield stood accused of causing the deaths of 95 Liverpool fans at the 1989 FA Cup semi final at the Sheffield stadium.

The 75-year-old was cleared after a seven week trial at Preston Crown Court.

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The trial did not consider the death of the 96th victim, Tony Bland, who died nearly four years later.

It is the second time he stood trial over the deaths this year – after a jury was unable to reach a verdict in April.

The trials came after inquests in 2016 found the deaths to be unlawful and put to bed suggestions the fans were to blame.

Families of the victims have been campaigning for justice in the years since and Mr Duckenfield was prosecuted after a new police investigation entitle Operation Resolve reassessed the evidence.

He denied all the charges against him.

He has now been cleared of all 95 counts of gross negligence manslaughter.


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