Hillsborough Cop Denies Misleading Investigation

Hillsborough police chief David Duckenfield has denied misleading officers investigating the disaster and insisted he does not bear sole responsibility for the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans.

The former South Yorkshire Police chief superintendent, who was match commander on the day of the 1989 tragedy, gave a prepared statement to Operation Resolve three weeks before the inquests into the deaths of the supporters started in Warrington last year.

He said: "After the tragedy I co-operated to the best of my ability at all stages with all inquiries and investigations.

"I consider it very unlikely that I can improve upon my previous recollections or previous accounts."

Pete Weatherby QC, who is representing 22 of the bereaved families, said: "Why on March 5, three weeks before these inquests commenced, are you telling Operation Resolve that, apart from relatively minor amendments, what you said earlier was the best that you could do?"

Mr Duckenfield replied: "I think, sir, that I saw the interview with Operation Resolve as a totally different situation to being able to, shall we say, set out the situation completely."

Mr Weatherby said: "The truth is that you chose to put this prepared statement before them, which was misleading."

Mr Duckenfield answered: "In my view, sir, it was not misleading at all."

Mr Duckenfield was facing a fifth day of being cross-examined by lawyers of the relatives of those who were killed.

On the day of the disaster, police became overwhelmed by supporters at the turnstiles as kick-off neared and Mr Duckenfield gave the order at 2.52pm to open a side gate and let them in.

Around 2,000 fans poured in through Gate C at the stadium, many heading straight for a tunnel in front of them, which Mr Duckenfield had not ordered to be closed. That tunnel led directly to the already full central pens on the Leppings Lane terrace.

Ninety-six Liverpool fans died in the ensuing crush minutes later as the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest kicked off.

Last week, the 70-year-old retired officer apologised to the families of the victims for not telling officials he had authorised the opening of a side gate at the stadium.

Mr Weatherby asked if the apology was an "acceptance of responsibilities for the events of that day and the deaths of 96 people".

Mr Duckenfield replied that: "My view is that many people were a party to the events of that day and I am apologising for my part." He also agreed that he had been "driven to accept responsibility" for his role in the Hillsborough tragedy because of evidence at previous inquests.

The barrister said: "The truth is that you have followed these inquests, you have seen the evidence that has emerged over the months, you have seen that the writing is on the wall and you are now driven to accept responsibility, that is the truth of it?"

Mr Duckenfield said: "Sir, I agree. I have now learned of my failings and I accept them."