Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has today gone on trial at Preston Crown Court facing 95 charges of gross negligence manslaughter following the crush in the terrace pens at the Leppings Lane end of Sheffield Wednesday’s ground at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
Under the law at the time, there can be no prosecution for the death of the 96th victim, Tony Bland, as he died more than a year and a day after his injuries were caused.
Also on trial is former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell who is charged with an offence involving the stadium safety certificate and a health and safety offence.
Charlotte Atherton and Natalia Cornwall from Exchange Chambers are acting as second junior counsel for the prosecution, having originally been instructed as disclosure counsel in the case.