August 22 – A former British police chief who was charged with lying over his role in the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster that killed 96 fans will no longer face trial after a review of evidence, according to prosecutors.
The victims, all Liverpool supporters, died in an overcrowded enclosure during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
Norman Bettison, who at the time was chief inspector of the region where Britain’s worst sports tragedy took place, had been charged with four counts of misconduct while in public office related to statements he made in the aftermath of the disaster and about the culpability of fans which prosecutors believed were untrue.
Prosecutors announced last year that they would bring criminal charges against six people including Bettison but the Crown Prosecution Service said on Tuesday they had discontinued proceedings against Bettison following a number of developments.
“These include changes in the evidence of two witnesses and the death of a third witness,” it said adding that the case was being dropped because developments in the available evidence “means there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.”
The original verdicts of accidental death were overturned in 2012 after documents uncovered mistakes by authorities and a cover-up by police, following a long campaign by families of the victims.
“I appreciate this news will be disappointing for the families and the CPS will meet with them in person to explain the decision,” the CPS added.
The families of those who died at Hillsborough said they were bitterly disappointed with the decision and would call for a review.
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