Hillsborough disaster: match commander David Duckenfield pleads not guilty to manslaughter

Not guilty plea: David Duckenfield
Peter Byrne/PA
James Morris10 September 2018
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Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 Liverpool supporters.

The 74-year-old appeared via videolink at Preston Crown Court on Monday.

The names of the 95 men, women and children he is accused of unlawfully killing were read out in court as the charge was put to him.

About 15 family members of the victims were in the public gallery.

Hillsborough Disaster - In pictures

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Duckenfield, wearing a suit with a blue shirt and purple tie, spoke to confirm his name and enter his plea.

Because of the law at the time of the 1989 disaster, there can be no prosecution for the death of the 96th victim, Tony Bland, as he died more than a year and a day after his injuries were caused.

Jenni Hicks, whose two daughters died at Hillsborough, and writer Jimmy McGovern arrive at Preston Crown Court on Monday
Peter Byrne/PA

Former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell also denied one charge of contravening a term or condition of the stadium's safety certificate, and one health and safety offence.

A provisional trial date for both men has been set for January 14. Both defendants remain on unconditional bail.

Former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell arrives at Preston Crown Court to enter pleas over the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy
PA

Hillsborough is the worst stadium disaster in English football history. It happened during Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final game against Nottingham Forest. At least 200 Liverpool fans were also injured in the crush.

Additional reporting by Press Association.

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