Hillsborough disaster: key figures in the controversy

13 September 2012 06:53
Peter Wright, ex-chief constable South Yorkshire Police. Orchestrated police attempts to blame Liverpool fans. Resignation initially rejected, but quit in 1990. Died 2011, aged 82.

David Duckenfield, ex-chief superintendent SYP. Lied to senior officers, blaming drunken, violent supporters. Retired, aged 55, in 1992 having avoided disciplinary action for neglect of duty. No verdict was given in manslaughter case brought by families in 2000.

Bernard Murray
, ex-Superintendent SYP. Escaped disciplinary action following Duckenfield’s retirement. Acquitted of manslaughter charges brought by families in 2000. Died in 2006.

Paul Middup, ex-SYP Police Federation Secretary. Was part of the briefing process to White’s News agency in Sheffield, wrongly blaming supporters for the tragedy. Clearly felt he was acting on the authority of the Chief Constable.

Irvine Patnick, ex-conservative MP for Sheffield Hallam. Also named as a source behind the false story distributed by White’s, which was picked up most notoriously by The Sun and branded 'The Truth'. Left politics after losing seat in 1997.

Source: telegraph