Hillsborough probe finds 12 officers would have faced gross misconduct

AN INVESTIGATION into the Hillsborough disaster has found 12 police officers would have faced gross misconduct proceedings for “fundamental failures” on the day and there were “concerted efforts” to blame fans in the aftermath.

- ELEANOR BARLOW Press Association

A report published yesterday by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) also upheld or found cases to answer for misconduct in 92 complaints about police actions.

However the law at the time means that no officers will face disciplinary proceedings because they had all retired before investigations began.

Investigations into the disaster by the IOPC and criminal probe Operation Resolve began in 2012, following the publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report, and cost more than £150 million.

Nicola Brook, a solicitor at Broudie Jackson Canter acting for several bereaved families, said it was a “bitter injustice” that no-one would be held to account.

She said: “This outcome may vindicate the bereaved families and survivors who have fought for decades to expose the truth - but it delivers no justice.

“Instead, it exposes a system that has allowed officers to simply walk away, retiring without scrutiny, sanction or consequence for failing to meet the standards the public has every right to expect.

“Yes, the law has now changed so this loophole cannot be used in future. But for those affected by this case, that is no consolation.

“They are left with yet another bitter injustice: the truth finally acknowledged, but accountability denied.”

Among those who would have had cases to answer for gross misconduct if they were still serving were South Yorkshire Police's then-chief constable Peter Wright and match commander David Duckenfield, as well as Sir Norman Bettison, who went on to become chief constable of Merseyside Police.