Duckenfield’s role at match was ‘fundamental error’, court is told

THE APPOINTMENT of David Duckenfield to the role of match commander at Hillsborough was a “fundamental error”, a court has heard.

Policing expert Douglas Hopkins was cross-examined by Benjamin Myers QC, defending Duckenfield, at Preston Crown Court yesterday. Former Chief Superintendent Duckenfield, 74, is accused of the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans who died in a crush on the terraces at the FA Cup semi-final on April 15 1989.

Mr Hopkins told the court he believed Brian Mole, who had been match commander at the stadium before Duckenfield, should have taken the role for the fixture.

Mr Myers asked Mr Hopkins if he thought it was a “fundamental error” that Duckenfield had been put in the position of match commander in the first place. Mr Hopkins replied: “I do sir.” He agreed senior commanders would have made the appointment and should take responsibility for it. He said: “My view, personally, was always to have what I called a pair of safe hands, a known quantity.”

On Monday, Mr Hopkins told the court Duckenfield’s lack of leadership and poor decision making led to overcrowding at the turnstiles outside the ground before the exit gate to the stadium was opened.

He also criticised the lack of preparation by Duckenfield. Duckenfield denies unlawfully killing 95 fans who died following the crush. Former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell, 69, denies breaching a condition of the ground’s safety certificate and failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety Act. The hearing continues.