Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

West Yorkshire chief constable Sir Norman Bettison Dave Higgens/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Hillsborough disaster: Sir Norman Bettison to retire in March

The announcement comes in the wake of the damning report into the events of the Hillsborough disaster.

SIR NORMAN BETTISON, the chief constable of West Yorkshire’s police force in the UK, has announced he will retire at the end of March next year.

The move comes in the wake of a damning report into the Hillsborough disaster which saw him referred to the police watchdog over his conduct in the aftermath of the 1989 tragedy.

Bettison has been accused of participating in a police-orchestrated cover up that looked to blame Liverpool FC football fans for the deaths of 96 people in horrific crushes at the Sheffield stadium.

On the day of the ill-fated FA Cup semi-final, Bettison – who was a South Yorkshire Police officer – was not on duty and attended the game as a spectator. He later took part in an internal inquiry into the force’s handling of the events of 15 April.

In a statement issued today, he said that “recent weeks” have caused him to reflect on what is best for the policing in West Yorkshire, adding that it was a “personal decision” to set a firm date for retirement.

“Furthermore, I hope it will enable the Independent Police Complaints Commission to fully investigate allegations that have been raised about my integrity. They need to be fairly and fully investigated and I welcome this independent and formal scrutiny.

“The record of my leadership of West Yorkshire Police will speak for itself. Crime is down and public confidence is up,” he added.

Bettison is currently the most senior police officer still in service who was involved with the Hillsborough disaster. His referral to the IPCC came after previously unseen documents were released. He has denied any wrongdoing but complaints accused him of taking part in the production and supply of misleading information about Liverpool fans.

Following the publication of the independent report last month, Bettison said he had nothing to hide about his conduct.

Related: The Hillsborough documents: What we’ve learned so far>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
9 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keni-anti government -Bot
    Favourite Keni-anti government -Bot
    Report
    Dec 18th 2020, 8:50 PM

    I saw David Byrnes American Utopia show twice live. Utterly sublime and maybe the best live show I’ve seen.
    If the filmed version is half as good it should be a Stop making sense level treat.

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kenneth Hayden
    Favourite Kenneth Hayden
    Report
    Dec 18th 2020, 10:50 PM

    @Keni-anti government -Bot:
    Stop Making Sence is one of the finest things ever to be watched.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Charmaine ☘ Irish
    Favourite Charmaine ☘ Irish
    Report
    Dec 18th 2020, 9:25 PM

    I’m not a sceptic!! But every one of these poles that pop up about which film will you watch? The majority is always .. none of them… maybe it’s the calibre of films bring realeased, but being the week that it is, should the choice not be.. home alone, bad Santa etc??? Of is it just newly released movies?

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bennett blaster
    Favourite Bennett blaster
    Report
    Dec 18th 2020, 9:55 PM

    @Charmaine ☘ Irish: Are they back in the cinema after all this time?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Full Circle
    Favourite Full Circle
    Report
    Dec 18th 2020, 10:32 PM

    @Bennett blaster: my local cinema is screening home alone.

    13
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jazz Buckler
    Favourite Jazz Buckler
    Report
    Dec 19th 2020, 12:54 AM

    @Charmaine ☘ Irish: Your alternative suggestions are a bit eh…meh
    Oh and btw it’s “polls”
    poles are for flags

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute askmebullocks
    Favourite askmebullocks
    Report
    Dec 19th 2020, 2:52 AM

    @Jazz Buckler: I’ll give you a hug….

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Cavey
    Favourite Peter Cavey
    Report
    Dec 18th 2020, 11:15 PM

    I have finally given into the nagging and agreed to watch the crown. 2 episodes in and I’m bloody loving it. 38 more episodes to binge over Christmas.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john
    Favourite john
    Report
    Dec 18th 2020, 8:35 PM

    Very bad choice

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James St John Smith
    Favourite James St John Smith
    Report
    Dec 18th 2020, 8:20 PM

    The Racer is worth a watch.

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken Sullivan
    Favourite Ken Sullivan
    Report
    Dec 18th 2020, 9:09 PM

    Basically I have to say well done. Or the Journal will block. Lazy journalists by any opinion.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Quentin Moriarty
    Favourite Quentin Moriarty
    Report
    Dec 19th 2020, 3:20 AM

    State of Grace W Sean Penn n Ed Harris

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aaron92utd
    Favourite Aaron92utd
    Report
    Dec 18th 2020, 11:31 PM

    Il.watch pgenilovs 28 on youtube free. Excellent russian war film lol.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brendan J O'Connor Jr
    Favourite Brendan J O'Connor Jr
    Report
    Dec 19th 2020, 3:38 PM

    Talking Heads are a great band .. david Byrne is a crazy eccentric dude .. that’s what makes them so great

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      News in 60 seconds