Dismay as Hillsborough police chief cleared

Families of the 96 football fans killed in the Hillsborough disaster lashed out at the legal system yesterday after the police commander at the match was cleared of manslaughter.

David Duckenfield, 75, was found not guilty at the end of his third trial. He sat impassively with his hands clasped as the verdict was given following a six-week trial at Preston crown court.

His wife, Ann, went comfort him.

The Liverpool fans were crushed to death during an FA Cup semifinal 30 years ago.

In the public gallery Christine Burke, daughter of Henry Burke, 47, who was killed, stood and said to the judge, Justice Openshaw: ‘‘I would like to know who is responsible for my father’s death because someone is.’’

Duckenfield’s lawyer, Ian Lewis, said outside court: ‘‘David is of course relieved that the jury has found him not guilty. However, his thoughts and sympathies remain with the families of those who lost over to their loved ones.’’

The court had been told that the retired officer and his wife had received threats of violence.

Margaret Aspinall, chairwoman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, condemned the legal system as ‘‘so morally wrong’’.

Aspinall, whose 18-year-old son James was one of the victims, added: ‘‘It is not about being vengeful.

‘‘It is not about him going to prison. It is just being accountable for the loss of all those lives. That is all I ever wanted. Unfortunately, the job hasn’t been done.’’

Aspinall had written to Justice Openshaw to complain following his direction that the jury should not draw any adverse inference from Duckenfield’s ‘‘expressionless’’ appearance, a result of posttraumatic stress disorder.

About 45 family members watched the verdict in Liverpool, where the trial was screened. One shouted: ‘‘Stitched up again.’’ Others were in tears. Barry Devonside, whose son Christopher, 18, died, said: ‘‘I’m shocked and stunned.’’–