HILLSBORO COP CHIEF IN CLEAR
Fury as Bettison case dropped:
RELATIVES of Hillsborough victims last night vowed to overturn a decision not to prosecute one of Britain’s top police officers over the tragedy.
One said he felt like he had been “beaten up” after four charges of misconduct in public office were dropped against ex-Merseyside and West Yorkshire chief constable Sir Norman Bettison.
The 62-year-old had been accused of lying about his role in the 1989 football stadium crush when 96 Liverpool fans died.
But he walked free after prosecutors said there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction because one key witness had died and the evidence of two others had changed.
Sir Norman said outside Preston Crown Court he felt “vindicated” though he claimed the allegations had “driven” him from the police job that had been his “vocation for 40 years”.
Review
His lawyer Paul Greaney said he was innocent in a case blighted by “naked political interference”.
But Margaret Aspinall, chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group which represents victims’ relatives, said they would demand a review of the decision.
She said: “We have grave concerns about the handling of this case by the CPS.”
Lou Brookes, whose brother Andrew, 26, was among the victims, said: “I will certainly be pursuing my right to a review.’’
Steve Kelly, whose brother Michael, 38, died, said: “I feel as if I have been beaten up.’’
Sir Norman was a chief inspector in South Yorkshire when the disaster happened at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
Five other men – including match commander David Duckenfield – face trial next year for offences related to the disaster.