Twelve officers would have had a gross misconduct case to answer over the handling of the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster, the police watchdog ruled today, but none will face disciplinary proceedings because of the law at the time.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct released findings today of its 13-year investigation into the actions of police before, during and after the tragedy that left 97 Liverpool supporters unlawfully killed.
Despite identifying incidences of gross misconduct, investigators have said that the retired officers cannot be brought before disciplinary hearings. The IOPC report found “fundamental failures” on the day of the disaster and “concerted efforts” to blame fans afterwards.
For the families and survivors, the report represents another painful reminder of the lack of accountability that has followed Hillsborough for decades.
Charlotte Hennessy, who’s father died in the disaster, spoke at today’s press conference and commended the Liverpool fans who did what they could to save lives on that day, despite later receiving blame from South Yorkshire Police.
“They were wrongfully blamed by the people who should have protected them, who should have kept them safe and assisted them in their time of need. We commend your bravery and we will never be able to thank you enough. We would like to thank the IOPC for their detailed and comprehensive support.”
Lifelong Liverpool supporter John Johnson, who was 32 at the time and survived the crush, acknowledges that while the report’s conclusion does not represent the result that many wanted: “It’s the tenacity of the people in this city who won over in the end, because everybody knows now.”
He remembers scenes of “absolute chaos” on the day.
“When we got in the queue to get into the ground it became a really, really terrible crush. There was no turnstiles open, there was no marshalling, there was no stewards, there was just chaos with police on horseback. I remember fans ducking underneath the horse, in between its legs, to try and get to a better position.”
Despite the confusion, John remembers the actions of one officer on the day that he believes saved lives.
“This policeman, thank God, opened the gate and we all went rushing through the gate by this time… He saved us, he saved lives outside, that’s the truth of it.”
