Hillsborough match commander denies manslaughter
THE man who was in charge of the police operation on the day of the Hillsborough disaster has denied responsibility for the death of 95 Liverpool fans.
David Duckenfield, 74, wearing a dark-blue suit, light-blue shirt and purple tie, appeared in court via a video link.
He listened as the charge of manslaughter by gross negligence was put to him and the names of the men, women and children who died were read out. When asked how he pleaded, Duckenfield, speaking in a clear, firm voice, replied “not guilty”. The ex-chief superintendent could not be charged over the death of Tony Bland, the 96th victim, as he died more than a year after the disaster.
Also appearing at Preston crown court was the former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell, 68.
He is charged with contravening a term or condition of a stadium safety certificate and a health and a safety offence. Mackrell, who was sat in the court, stood to deny both allegations.
About 15 relatives of those who died at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest sat in the public gallery listening during the hour-long hearing, much of which was taken up with legal discussions.
Both Duckenfield and Mackrell, who are on unconditional bail, are to stand trial in January.