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Staff association says decision sends a message to other officers that they might not be supported in time of need.

David Duckenfield. Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

 

South Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner has refused a request from Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield to help pay his legal costs.

The retired chief superintendent faces action over his role on the day of the FA Cup semi final held in Sheffield in April 1989.

The Police Superintendents’ Association says the PCC’s decision sends a message to “every police officer that they may not be supported”.

The move comes after the CPS applied to lift a stay imposed after the end of Mr Duckenfield’s inconclusive, privately prosecuted, trial in 2000.

If it is lifted, he is expected to be charged with 95 counts of gross negligence manslaughter.

But Alan Billings, PCC for South Yorkshire, has announced he will not pay Mr Duckenfield’s legal costs.

He said: “I have taken account of the likely effect of providing or not providing the assistance requested, on officer morale.

“I have also taken into account of the finite resources available to South Yorkshire Police in the coming years, and the impact that the decision to agree to the request could have on budget commitments on the force.”

He added: “The [inquest] jury concluded that a breach of duty by this retired officer, which amounted to gross negligence, caused the death of 96 people who died at Hillsborough.

“I cannot ignore that conclusion, as it is plainly relevant to whether or not the officer exercised reasonable judgement in the execution of his duty.”

Mr Billings revealed that the force has already paid £7.6 million towards his legal costs since 2000.

The Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales had appealed on Mr Duckenfield’s behalf to ask him to reconsider.

Chief Superintendent Dan Murphy, its national secretary, said: “We are a staff association and it is our responsibility to look after the interests of the members we represent.

“Every person, regardless of the charges they face, is entitled to a fair trial and a proper legal defence. We believe the decision by the PCC not to fund these legal costs sends a message to every police officer that they may not be supported.

“We are continuing to discuss the matter of costs with a number of parties.”

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[Indiana Jones + 1,103]

The irony of Supts not feeling supported is not lost on me.

[Reasonable Man + 1,258]

The irony of Supts not feeling supported is not lost on me.

He is a retired officer who should be supported regardless of rank. Why is the Supts' Association not funding his defence? I would expect the same Federation to do so for any officer of federated rank who required a defence to a criminal charge amounting from on duty action.

[Hyphen + 693]

I think that this is very much a politically motivated decision. Personally I think he should receive some sort of support as this does come from an on duty action.

I feel that the trial has already taken place though on TV, other media and crucially social media, it is one of those toxic cases where it will be almost impossible to receive a fair trial.

To clarify I am not expressing an opinion or judgement either way here, just more an observation on the current situation.

 

[Zulu 22 + 4,638]

The Force should give legal representation, full stop. As someone else has said this may be politically motivated. As far as the Superintendent's association they are not very well represented in matters like this as they, surprisingly, lack the experience. Some years ago as a Federation rep I'm actually, successfully, represented a Superintendent, as a friend at a discipline.

[MerseyLLB 8,426]

It's a very emotive subject. You cannot discuss it passively without somebody taking grave offence.

Certain SYP corrupt practices at the time ruined it for everyone - we will never know the full truth. After the various revelations witnesses will not apportion any blame whatsoever to any fans despite evidence to support this IN PART. It was put forward by some that nobody attending the match was drunk - which is a clear fallacy - and also suggested that nobody was pushing it was just the natural swell of the crowd. 

 

Because of a number of SYP individuals the truth will not be known and in my eyes justice will not be served  as the story will now be one of only police failings and corruption - whitewashing history.

I don't blame the families of the 96 or survivors - they were betrayed by the SYP of the day and so they are never going to return to an open mindset.

[David + 4,981]

Whatever one's feelings or beliefs, this man deserves nothing less than financial support. Justice cannot hope to be blind if it has one eye on newspaper headlines.

[BlueBob + 701]

He is/ was working for, representing SYP.  If he’s actions were not challenged at the time, they have an absolute obligation to stand up and representing him now.   Now he has been found wanting (allegedly) they wash their hands of their obligations

A stark warning to all ranks