CPS To Charge Six Suspects Over Hillsborough Disaster

By Adenike Lucas

The Crown Prosecution Service, CPS, has announced its decision to charge six individuals in connection with the Hillsborough football disaster of April 1989.

The Head of Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division at the CPS, Sue Hemming, said “there is sufficient evidence to charge six individuals with criminal offences.”

In her statement, Ms Hemming explained that Hillsborough match commander, David Duckenfield, 72, will be charged for manslaughter by gross negligent of 95 men, women and children Liverpool FC fans, an offence that carries a life sentence.

Mr Duckenfield, pictured in an old photo, is among six individuals charged with offences relating to the disaster in April 1989 (Photo: PA)

Prosecutors will make an application to the High Court to lift a stay imposed privately in 1999, before it can charge him.

Mr Duckenfield can’t be charged over the death of the 96th victim Tony Bland, as he died four years after the disaster.

Ex-chief constable Sir Norman Bettison, has been charged with alleged lies told about his involvement in the aftermath of the incident and the culpability of fans who attended a match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest 28 years ago.

Former South Yorkshire Police Donald Denton was charged with doing acts with intent to pervert the course of public Justice.

Ex Detective Chief Inspector Alan Foster and Force solicitor Peter Metcalf are also charged with the same offences.

Graham Mackrell, a former Sheffield Wednesday’s company secretary and safety officer, was charged with three offences relating to health and safety and safety at sports grounds.