Advertisement

Hillsborough inquest: jury finds unlawful killing verdict.

The jury at the new inquests into the Hillsborough disaster has returned its verdicts, finding that the victims were unlawfully killed. 96 people were killed, including two from Wales, as a result of the disaster on 15 April, 1989.

View all 7 updates ›

Hillborough inquest jury says 96 were unlawfully killed

The jury in the inquest into the deaths of 96 people in 1989 has found that the victims were unlawfully killed. Credit: PA

The jury in the inquest into the deaths of 96 people in the Hillsborough disaster has said the victims were unlawfully killed.

Question six of the 14 questions the jury were required to consider said: "Are you satisfied, so that you are sure, that those who died in the disaster were unlawfully killed?" The jury answered yes.

Read more: The 14 key questions the jury must answer

John McBrien, 18, and Steven Brown, 25, from north Wales, were among the 96 fans who died.

The jurors were told they could only reach that determination if they were sure of four "essential" matters concerning the deaths at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final:

  • that overall match commander Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield owed a duty of care to those who died in the disaster
  • that he was in breach of that duty of care
  • that his breach of duty caused the deaths
  • that it amounted to "gross negligence"

They concluded it was unlawful killing by a 7-2 majority.

The jury also ruled that fan behaviour did not cause or contribute to the tragedy.

The Hillsborough disaster unfolded during Liverpool's cup tie against Nottingham Forest on April 15 as thousands of fans were crushed at Sheffield Wednesday's ground.

More on this story