Hillsborough campaigner Trevor Hicks call for revamp of coroner system

Last updated : 24 October 2011 By Liverpool Echo

Relatives who lost loved ones in the 1989 football disaster want to prevent a repeat of the controversial hearings held in Sheffield.

Dr Stefan Popper ruled only pre-3.15pm events could be examined in the inquest as it was considered those who died had already sustained their fatal injuries. But evidence has since emerged many of the victims were still alive after this arbitrarily-agreed cut-off point.

Today Trevor Hicks, who lost his two daughters on the Leppings Lane terraces, branded the coroner’s system obstructive and in need of modernisation.

He told the Echo: “It needs revamping. Twenty-two years ago the rules meant the coroner couldn't do as he wished with the inquiry into the deaths.

“That led to this huge bone of contention with the 3.15pm cut-off point which everyone thought was wholly wrong. I would have liked to see a system where fans don’t have to chivy and chase for every tiny little detail and things happen in due process.”

The then home secretary Jack Straw refused request for fresh inquests after a verdict of accidental death, rather than unlawful killing, was delivered.

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