PRESTON: Sir Norman Bettison, the former chief constable charged with four counts of misconduct in public office over the initial Hillsborough investigation, will not face trial.
The decision was announced by the Crown Prosecution Service at Preston Crown Court.
Sarah Whitehouse, QC, prosecuting, explained changes in the case against the 62-year-old had prompted the decision.
Bettison had been an inspector in South Yorkshire Police at the time of 1989 disaster, which led to the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans. The former chief constable of Merseyside Police and West Yorkshire Police was charged with misconduct in public office 14 months ago.
The case centred on comments he was alleged to have made surrounding both his role in the aftermath of the FA Cup semi-final tragedy and the involvement of fans.
The charges accused him of “untruthfully”…
Margaret Aspinall, the chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, whose 18-year-old son James was killed in the disaster, said the families had “grave concerns” about the CPS’s handling of the case and would be exercising their right to a review.
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