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Former police officers among five in court over Hillsborough disaster

A legal order must be lifted before David Duckenfield, who faces 95 counts of manslaughter, can appear in court.

 Liverpool fans remember the victims of the Hillsborough disaster on 5 April
Image: Ninety-six Liverpool football fans died on 15 April 1989
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Five men have appeared in court over allegations related to the Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath.

Former Merseyside and West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison, former South Yorkshire Police officers Donald Denton and Alan Foster, former force solicitor Peter Metcalf, and Sheffield Wednesday's company secretary and safety officer at the time of the tragedy, Graham Henry Mackrell, all appeared before Warrington Magistrates Court.

Former chief inspector of South Yorkshire Police Sir Norman Bettison
Image: Sir Norman Bettison is charged with four offences of misconduct in public office

Sir Norman Bettison is charged with four offences of misconduct in public office relating to alleged lies about his involvement in the aftermath of the tragedy and the culpability of fans.

Former South Yorkshire Police chief superintendent Donald Denton
Image: Former South Yorkshire Police chief superintendent Donald Denton

Former Chief Superintendent Denton and former Detective Chief Inspector Foster are charged with perverting the course of justice relating to material changes made to witness statements.

Former South Yorkshire Police solicitor Peter Metcalf
Image: Former South Yorkshire Police solicitor Peter Metcalf

Mr Metcalf, the solicitor who acted for South Yorkshire Police during the Taylor Inquiry and the first inquests, is also charged with doing acts with intent to pervert the course of public justice in relation to witness statements.

And Mr Mackrell is charged with two offences under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and one offence under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Former Sheffield Wednesday Football Club secretary Graham Mackrell
Image: Former Sheffield Wednesday Football Club secretary Graham Mackrell

The men appeared separately in the dock and spoke briefly only to confirm their personal details as the charges were read out against them.

More on Hillsborough

The only individual not listed to appear in court was David Duckenfield, the match commander on the day of the tragedy, who faces 95 counts of manslaughter by gross negligence.

The Crown Prosecution Service needs to lift a legal order imposed by a senior judge at the end of a private prosecution against him before it can proceed with new charges.

The appearances follow a decision on 28 June by the CPS to bring charges against the individuals for the part they played in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster in which 96 Liverpool football fans died.

The five men have been bailed and are due to appear before Preston Crown Court on 6 September.