Jury unable to reach verdict on Hillsborough match commander

The jury in the trial of Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has been discharged after it was unable to reach a verdict.
Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield, arriving at Preston Crown Court. Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA WireHillsborough match commander David Duckenfield, arriving at Preston Crown Court. Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield, arriving at Preston Crown Court. Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

Former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell, aged 69, has been found guilty of failing to discharge his duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

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The jury retired at Preston Crown Court to consider their verdicts on Monday March 25, after a 10 week trial. They were deliberating for 29 hours and six minutes.

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Ninety-six men, women and children died in the fatal crush on the Leppings Lane terrace at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989.

Duckenfield denied the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 fans. Under the law at the time, there could be no prosecution for the 96th victim, Tony Bland, as he died more than a year and a day after the disaster.

On Monday, the judge Sir Peter Openshaw directed the jury that he would accept majority verdicts.

The Crown Prosecution Service has indicated it will seek a retrial for Duckenfield.

Mackrell denied failing to discharge his duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act. He was found guilty by a majority of 10 to two