Ex-officers told to stand trial over the Hillsborough tragedy
THE police officer in charge on the day of the Hillsborough disaster and five others are due to stand trial next year if they fail to have the cases dropped.
David Duckenfield, 72, faces 95 gross negligence manslaughter charges over the FA Cup semi-final tragedy in 1989.
Mr Justice William Davis ruled at Preston Crown Court that Duckenfield will face a three-month trial next September.
But the ex South Yorkshire officer, the only defendant not required in court yesterday, will try to argue the trials are “abuses of process” due to the passing of time and alleged adverse publicity.
Duckenfield will appear alongside Graham Mackrell, 67, Sheffield Wednesday’s ex club secretary, who faces health and safety allegations.
Mr Justice Davis said there will be three separate criminal trials over the next two years. Two other trials both involve an alleged cover-up by police officers and staff.
The second trial in January 2019 involves retired policemen Donald Denton, 79, and Alan Foster, 70 and retired force solicitor Peter Metcalf, 67.
They face charges of perverting the course of justice relating to changes to the witness statements.
Then in May 2019 there will be the month-long trial of Sir Norman Bettison, 61, the former Merseyside Chief Constable, who is accused of misconduct in a public office. No pleas have been entered.
The court was packed with family members of the victims including Jenni Hicks, who lost daughters Victoria, 15, and Sarah, 19.