Trial into South Yorkshire Police chiefs charged with perverting course of justice in Hillsborough investigation is postponed

A trial for two former South Yorkshire Police chiefs and a former solicitor for the force in connection with the Hillsborough tragedy has been postponed.
Alan Foster (left) and Donald DentonAlan Foster (left) and Donald Denton
Alan Foster (left) and Donald Denton

Former Chief Superintendent Donald Denton, 81, and former Detective Chief Inspector Alan Foster, 73, are charged with perverting the course of justice in connection to the aftermath of the 1989 disaster which saw 96 Liverpool fans lose their lives in a crush at Hillsborough Stadium football grounds in Sheffield during a match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

Peter Metcalf, 70, the solicitor acting for South Yorkshire Police in 1989, is charged with the same.

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A case management hearing was held at Preston Crown Court today (Thursday) ahead of the trial, which had already previously been delayed until Januray 2021 after being due to be held in April earlier this year.

Mr Justice William Davis this morning delayed the case until April 19 – four days after the 32nd anniversary of the tragedy.

Justice Davis, appearing via videolink from Preston Crown Court, said: “The trial date in relation to these three defendants now will not be in January of 2021 but will be on April 19 2021.

“Beyond that there will be no reporting of proceedings thus far.”

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The three defendants, Denton, from Sheffield, Foster, from Harrogate and Metcalf, from Ilkley, face allegations related to the changing of statements following the tragedy at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final.

The hearing at Preston is scheduled to last for two days to deal with legal preparation, which cannot be reported, ahead of the jury trial, with most of the parties appearing via videolink to the courtroom.

The hearing continues.

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