March 18 – The police chief in charge at the 1989 English FA cup semifinal at which 96 Liverpool supporters were crushed to death has admitted that his failure to close a tunnel was the “direct cause” of the disaster.
David Duckenfield accepted he froze as the tragedy unfolded at Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield.
The former chief superintendent was giving evidence for a sixth day at the newly opened Hillsborough inquests where it was revealed he had at least three minutes to “consider the consequences” of opening an exit perimeter gate at the stadium as a crowd of fans built up outside.
It was put to him that a child of “average intelligence” could have realised what would happen when the gate, which allowed up to 2,000 fans to enter, was opened.
But Duckenfield said he did “not think of it on the day” because of the pressure he was under. He had “no idea” Liverpool fans would head through the gate for a tunnel which led to the already-packed terraces, he told the jury.
When asked by Paul Greaney QC on behalf of the Police Federation of England and Wales if his failure to take steps to close the tunnel entrance was the direct cause of the deaths of 96 people, Duckenfield replied “yes sir”.
He was then asked if he had been incompetent in his role on the day of the disaster. The retired officer, now 70, answered: “I think it is a view some would agree with sir.”
And when it was put to him that that he “simply froze”, Duckenfield said he thought it would be “fair to say that we were all in a state of shock.”
The hearing heard that Duckenfield was medically retired from South Yorkshire Police in November 1991, two years after being suspended from duty. He was diagnosed with “severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder”.
He told the inquest that having to admit his professional failings led to the tragedy had been “the most difficult period of my life.”
The disaster and a comprehensive report that quickly followed prompted major changes in safety standards at stadiums throughout Britain with perimeter fencing removed and many grounds converted to all-seating.
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