Hillsborough commander David Duckenfield fails to halt his manslaughter trial
The former senior police officer will go on trial next month over the deaths of 95 Liverpool fans nearly 30 years ago.
Thursday 6 December 2018 16:14, UK
David Duckenfield will face trial for the manslaughter of 95 fans at Hillsborough, after the attempt to halt his prosecution failed.
He was match commander at the game in Sheffield on 15 April 1989 and the former chief superintendent is charged with manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 Liverpool fans.
Duckenfield's lawyer, Ben Myers QC, applied to stay the prosecution at Preston Crown Court, but judge Sir Peter Openshaw refused.
The 73-year-old is due to stand trial on 14 January alongside Sheffield Wednesday's former secretary, Graham Mackrell, who is charged with health and safety offences.
The fans died after a crush in the terraces in the Leppings Lane end of the ground as Liverpool played Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-final.
There cannot currently be a prosecution over the death of the 96th victim, Tony Bland, because he died nearly four years after his injuries were caused.
Earlier this year, the Crown Prosecution Service successfully lifted the bar, imposed in 2000, on further action against Duckenfield.
Two retired police officers Donald Denton, 80, and Alan Foster, 71, and retired solicitor Peter Metcalf, 68, will also go on trial in September 2019, charged with doing acts intended to pervert the course of justice.