Hillsborough Match Commander dodges questions about inquest result
The match commander on the day of the Hillsborough disaster has declined to comment following the inquest jury’s unlawful killing conclusion.
On his return to the UK, Former Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield was approached by reporters at San Francisco airport and was asked for his “reaction to things”. Mr Duckenfield said: “At the present time, due to the ongoing criminal inquiries, I’m afraid that I am unable to comment, and I hope you’ll excuse me.”
Mr Duckenfield could face criminal proceedings over the deaths and has already been interviewed under criminal caution.
The jurors at the inquest ruled that the 96 Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed after being told by the coroner they could reach that conclusion only if they were satisfied that Mr Duckenfield owed a duty of care, that his breach caused the deaths and that it amounted to “gross negligence”.
He was also asked if he had a message for the families, he said: “I’ve said what I’ve got to say at the moment.” He added: “When I was at the coroner’s court in Warrington I gave a message and I have nothing more to say. I hope you’ll excuse me.”
When asked at the inquest if his negligence caused the disaster, he said he would not use that word and instead classed it as an “oversight”.
When he arrived back at Heathrow Mr Duckenfield refused to answer questions over whether he is expecting to be prosecuted.