Hillsborough disaster police chief hits out at MP ‘interference’ over charges
2 min read
The retired police chief who was facing trial over the Hillsborough disaster has hit out at “political interference” in the decision to charge him after the case was dropped.
Sir Norman Bettison, who was chief inspector at South Yorkshire Police at the time of the 1989 tragedy, had been accused of lying about the culpability of Liverpool Football Club fans.
He had been charged with four counts of misconduct in a public office in connection with the disaster, however prosecutors said insufficient evidence meant there was no real prospect of securing a conviction.
The lawyer acting for Sir Norman claimed there had been “naked political interference” in the probe into his role following the disaster, in which 96 people died.
Paul Greaney QC said there was a “false understanding” that Sir Norman took part in a cover-up, which he said had been fostered by political figures, including Labour MP Maria Eagle.
Ms Eagle had told Parliament that Sir Norman had tried to deflect blame for the disaster onto Liverpool fans.
Mr Greaney said: "The false understanding that he did so has been fostered not by the prosecution but by political figures.
“That claim, which Maria Eagle has not been prepared to repeat outside parliament, is untrue.”
Hillsborough families have called for a review of the decision not to prosecute the former police chief.
Senior political figures with connections to Liverpool, including Merseyside and Greater Manchester metro mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham, alongside MPs Ms Eagle, Alison McGovern and Derek Twigg, released a statement following the court’s ruling.
“We are disappointed to hear this news and we fully support the decision of the families to seek a review," the statement said.
“As long-standing supporters of the campaign for justice, our thoughts today are with the bereaved families and survivors of the Hillsborough disaster, still re-living that day and its aftermath almost 30 years on. We will continue to support them in any way we can.
“Given the on-going criminal prosecutions, we have nothing further to add at this time.”
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