OTJC Statement following the collapse of the Hillsborough trial

After a 32 year struggle, the families of the 96 men, women and children killed as a consequence of the Hillsborough Football Stadium disaster in 1989, in their long battle for truth and justice, have today heard a ruling of “no case to answer” handed down by Mr Justice William Davis.  

Two retired South Yorkshire Police officers Donald Denton and Alan Foster and the force’s former solicitor Peter Metcalf have all been acquitted. They had each been accused of perverting the course of justice. It was alleged they were involved in amending officers’ statements to minimise the blame on South Yorkshire Police following the disaster at the FA Cup semi-final on 15 April 1989.  

Kate Flannery, Secretary of OTJC said “The magnificent tenacity and courage of the Hillsborough families and survivors is admirable. After the unlawful killings of their loved ones they have had to endure rounds of investigations, inquests, scrutiny and hearings. The collapse of this trial is devastating news.” 

Kevin Horne, Miner arrested at Orgreave said “The dignity, persistence and determination the Hillsborough families and survivors have shown throughout their unbearable grief is remarkable. The OTJC send our support and solidarity for truth and justice”