Hillsborough Trial Outcome

THE jury in the trial of Hillsborough Match Commander David Duckenfield has been unable to reach a verdict at Preston Crown Court, and now the Prosecution has announced that they will be seeking a retrial. But in the case against Ex-Sheffield Wednesday's Club Secretary Graham Mackrell, he was found guilty of a health and safety charge.  Crown Prosecution Service has issued the following statement following the Trial in Preston. Sue Hemming, Director of Legal Services, Crown Prosecution Service, has said that:- "This trial, which relates to events from almost 30 years ago, has been incredibly complex and, after lengthy deliberations, the jury has found Grahan Mackrell guilty, but has been unable to reach a verdict in respect of David Duckenfield. We have discussed the matter carefully with Counsel and I can confirm the CPS will seek a retrial against Mr Duckenfield for manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 men, women and children. I recognised that these developments will be difficult for the families affected by the Hillsborough disaster. We have remained in regular contact with them throughout these proceedings, and spoke with those present in Preston and Liverpool, before informing the Court of our decision. We will meet with them shortly to answer any questions they have about the process. <ay I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings are ongoing and of the defendant's right to a fair trial."

Hillsborough Outdoor Commemoration Cancelled

FOLLOWING Thursday's hung jury verdict in the trial of Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the planned commemoration event which would mark the 30th Anniversary of the disaster.

A statement by Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson is as follows: "In light of yesterday's hung jury verdict in the trial of Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield, I have made the difficult decision to cancel the outdoor commemoration event we were planning to mark the 30th Anniversary of the disaster.  The risk of the event inadvertently influencing any future decisions which are made regarding ongoing legal proceedings is a risk which I do not want the City to take. Despite this being such an important milestone in the history of Liverpool, we understand how sensitive the current environment is surrounding the case. As such would urge everyone to exercise caution and refrain from making any comments that could jeopardise future proceedings and refrain from making comments on social media. The City will create a temporary memorial at the front of St George's Hall for any members of the public who wish to pay their respects. The memorial will be in place from Sunday, 14 April to Thursday, 18 April 2019.  The public memorial service at the Anglican Cathedral will take place as planned on the 15 April 2019, at 14.45."

On Monday, 15 April 2019, Liverpool will mark the Anniversary by falling silent for a minute, at 3.06pm; the exact time the fateful match was stopped. Flags on Civic Buildings (Cunard Building, Town Hall, St George's Hall and Central Library) will be flown at ½ mast and bells at the Town Hall will toll 96 times.  The Lime Street media wall, opposite Lime Street Station, and the M62 digital screens will display the words:- 'Never Forgotten' in a visual tribute to the 96.

Local law firm helping to fuel the hydrogen revolution in the North West

MANCHESTER law firm Clarke Willmott LLP  is partnering an event hosted by the Bessemer Society looking at how the North West can lead the hydrogen revolution in Europe. The prestigious dinner with guest speakers at Liverpool Town Hall, on 10 April 2019, looking at the drivers for demand for hydrogen production and how that demand will be met. Hydrogen is believed to have the potential to play a pivotal role in the future to store and transport energy from wind, solar and other renewable sources.

John Flint, Partner and Head of Clarke Willmott's Manchester Commercial Litigation Team, said:- "We are very happy to continue our partnership with the Bessemer Society. We share their enthusiasm for hydrogen innovation as well as the entrepreneurial creativity they hope to encourage. Such a prestigious event is also recognition that the North West is seen as a key growth hub for the hydrogen sector in the UK."

Speakers at the event include:- Simon Fairman from Cadent Gas; Dr Tony Smith from Peel Environmental; Mike Muldoon from Alstom Transport and Dr Amanda Lyne from ULEMCo Ltd. 

The Bessemer Society is an organisation dedicated to sharing ideas on technological innovation in science and technology. It is named after Sir Henry Bessemer who revolutionised the steel making process with the invention which carries his name. For more information and to register to attend please visit:- Bessemer-Society.co.uk/Events.
 

3 arrested in connection with cannabis cafe, in Kensington, following Warrant

MERSEYSIDE Police arrested 2 males and dealt with multiple people for drug related offences following a 'Misuse of Drugs Act Warrant' that was used on a premises, in Kensington, on Saturday, 30 March 2019.

Community Police Officers carried out a Search Warrant following reports that the location was suspected to be functioning as a cannabis café. The location had more than 40 people present, with a quantity of cannabis being used and stored in a variety of forms. In total, around 30 people were issued with cannabis street cautions, penalty notices or interviewed at the scene.

We are told that the premises have been re-secured and all furnishings removed. Merseyside Police commented that:- "Should any persons try to enter they will be dealt with appropriately."