Football disaster police chief faces trial

Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield could go on trial in autumn next year in Preston but will attempt to block any prosecution, a court heard today.

Duckenfield, 72, is scheduled to go before a jury at a trial starting on 10 September and lasting between ten and 12 weeks at Preston Crown Court.

However, Duckenfield and five other defendants will first attempt to block any prosecution as an “abuse of process” on the grounds of delay and prejudicial publicity, the court heard.

Duckenfield faces 95 charges of gross negligence manslaughter following the 1989 football disaster.

He would go on trial alongside Graham Mack rell ,67, the former sheffield Wednesday club secretary, who faces health and safety and sports ground safety offences. Mr Justice William Davis ruled Preston would be an “appropriate and proper” venue for the trial of both men and four others accused over the disaster. He said: “Today I simply make a ruling on the appropriate venue. I have to emphasise whether a trial in relation to some or all the defendants should take place at all is overwhelmingly likely to be a live issue.”