CPS Statement - Hillsborough

The CPS has this week informed families of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster that no charges have been authorised against two individuals following an investigation by the IPCC.

The IPCC investigated the conduct of a former South Yorkshire Police mounted officer and a civilian farrier, in relation to an allegation made in 1989 that a police horse was burned with cigarettes by Liverpool supporters.

The mounted police officer was seen on camera lashing out towards fans who he later claimed were burning his horse.  

The farrier was a friend of the police officer and he claimed to have seen serious injuries to the horse.

The allegation was that their accounts were false and were given to protect the police officer from disciplinary action.

A full file of evidence was received from the IPCC in June 2017 and has been subject to thorough consideration by CPS prosecutors.

It has been concluded that in relation to the police officer, the evidential threshold has not been met and there is not a realistic prospect of conviction.

The evidential threshold for a charge of perverting the course of justice was met in the case of the civilian farrier. In accordance with the two-stage test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, the public interest in pursuing the case was then considered. It was concluded that it is not in the public interest to prosecute this individual and so no charge was authorised.

A full explanation of the charging decisions has been provided in writing to the families and their representatives, along with the suspects and other interested parties

The CPS reminds all media and members of the public that there are live criminal proceedings in relation to the Hillsborough disaster. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.