Second inquest into 96 deaths at Hillsborough

Twenty-five years on a second inquest is to be held into the deaths of 96 people who tragically died at a British sporting event.

The FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest was to taking place at Hillsborough Stadium, Sheffield, on 15 April 1989, but after six minutes play was stopped when it became apparent that Liverpool spectators on the standing terrace behind one of the goals had been seriously crushed.

In so far as the number of deaths was concerned, it was the worst tragedy in the history of British sport.

Two days after the disaster the Home Secretary appointed Lord Justice Taylor (later to become Lord Taylor, Lord Chief Justice) to conduct a public inquiry and the West Midlands police were instructed to investigate to assist the inquiry.

One hundred and seventy four witnesses gave evidence to the Taylor inquiry and his interim report concluded:  “The main reason for the disaster was the failure of police control.”

In 1990 the South Yorkshire Coroner commenced inquests into the various deaths.  During the same year the Police Complaints Authority (“PCA”) directed that disciplinary charges of neglect of duty be preferred against Chief Superintendent Duckenfield and Superintendent Murray who exercised controlling functions for police operations at Hillsborough.

Before the end of the year Superintendent Duckenfield retired on grounds of ill-health and as disciplinary charges could be pursued only against serving police officers, the complaint against him was dropped.  As the charge was essentially a joint one, the PCA decided it would be unfair to pursue the charge against only one officer so the case against Murray was discontinued.

The inquest jury returned verdicts of accidental death in all cases.  In 1993 six families who lost relations at Hillsborough were given leave by the Divisional Court to quash the inquest verdicts, but their applications were dismissed by the Divisional Court.

In 1996 Granada Television broadcast a programme entitled “Hillsborough” claiming there was fresh evidence which called into question the inquest verdicts.

Home Secretary, Jack Straw, in 1997 appointed Lord Justice Stuart-Smith to scrutinise the evidence.  Having done that, and called a substantial number of further witnesses, the judge came to the clear conclusion that there was no basis for a further judicial inquiry or a re-opening of Lord Taylor’s inquiry.

Five years ago, government minister, Andy Burnham, called for the release of further documentation which had not previously been made available.  This led to the formation of the Hillsborough Independent panel which alleged that the authorities had concealed the truth.

On 19 December 2012 the High Court granted the families a new inquest.

So a quarter of a century later Lord Justice Goldring, who has been appointed to act as Coroner, commences a second inquest which is expected to last for about a year.  At the same time the Police Complaints Commission is considering allegations of misconduct while Operation Resolve led by a former Chief Constable carries out its own criminal investigation.

Sadly, nothing will bring back their loved ones, and it has been a long time for the bereaved families to endure their grief.  It can only be hoped that the full truth will now emerge and that the families will obtain the closure and justice for which they have fought so valiantly and for so long.