UK

Trial of Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield fails to reach majority verdict

A woman is comforted outside Preston Crown Court after the jury failed to reach a majority verdict. Picture by Aaron Chown/PA
A woman is comforted outside Preston Crown Court after the jury failed to reach a majority verdict. Picture by Aaron Chown/PA A woman is comforted outside Preston Crown Court after the jury failed to reach a majority verdict. Picture by Aaron Chown/PA

THE jury in the trial of Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has resumed deliberations for an eighth day.

Judge Sir Peter Openshaw gave jurors at Preston Crown Court a majority direction on Monday afternoon, telling them he would accept verdicts on which at least 10 of them were agreed.

He sent them out to continue deliberations at 10.32am on Wednesday.

Duckenfield (74) denies the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final.

Former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell (69) denies failing to discharge his duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The CPS has indicated it will seek a retrial for Duckenfield.

Sue Hemming, director of legal services for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: "This trial, which relates to events from almost 30 years ago, has been incredibly complex and, after lengthy deliberations, the jury has found Graham Mackrell guilty but has been unable to reach a verdict in respect of David Duckenfield.

"We have discussed the matter carefully with counsel and I can confirm the CPS will seek a retrial against Mr Duckenfield for manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 men, women and children.

"I recognise that these developments will be difficult for the families affected by the Hillsborough disaster.

"We have remained in regular contact with them throughout these proceedings and spoke with those present in Preston and Liverpool before informing the court of our decision. We will meet with them shortly to answer any questions they have about the process.

"May I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings are ongoing and of the defendant's right to a fair trial."

The Officer in Overall Command of Operation Resolve, the investigation into the disaster, Assistant Commissioner Rob Beckley, said: "Following a lengthy trial at Preston Crown Court, the jury have been unable to reach a verdict on David Duckenfield.

"They did however return a guilty verdict in respect of the charge against the former secretary and safety officer of Sheffield Wednesday, Graham Mackrell.

"The Crown Prosecution Service have said that they will seek a retrial for the case in respect of Mr Duckenfield.

"Operation Resolve will continue to work with and support the Crown Prosecution Service as they prepare the case for future court hearings and proceedings.

"We recognise how challenging this process is for all concerned and will continue to keep people informed and updated, especially the families of the victims."