University strips Bettison of honour following ‘gross misconduct’ claims

Liverpool John Moores University paid tribute to the “courage and fortitude” of the Hillsborough justice campaigners as it formally withdrew the honour it awarded Sir Norman in 2004.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) concluded last month that Sir Norman attempted to manipulate his bosses at West Yorkshire Police Authority “for his own self interest” after he was named in a damning report by the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

He had already resigned from his post as chief constable of West Yorkshire Police after weeks of mounting pressure over his role in the aftermath of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.

In a statement released yesterday, the university said: “In light of the conclusions published by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, Liverpool John Moores University has withdrawn the honorary fellowship awarded to Sir Norman Bettison in 2004.

“As previously stated the university would like to commend the families and friends of those who died in the Hillsborough tragedy for the dignity and fortitude they have shown during their lengthy campaign for justice.”

The Hillsborough families believe Sir Norman was involved in a cover-up which attempted to lay blame for the stadium tragedy of April 1989 on the 96 victims and their fellow supporters.

Margaret Aspinall, chairwoman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, said: “It’s great to know that John Moores University has done the right thing.

“Let’s hope now the next step is the removal of his knighthood.”

Sir Norman was a chief inspector with South Yorkshire Police at the time of the disaster and played a key role in the force’s now discredited internal investigation.

He went on to become chief of Merseyside Police for six years, being lauded for his work in cutting crime but facing enormous criticism from the Hillsborough families.

He has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to the stadium disaster.