No evidence of SYP ‘spin’ in Hillsborough inquests, concludes review

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) was right not to investigate a complaint that South Yorkshire Police tried to manipulate the media during the Hillsborough inquests, according to an independent review.

Hugh Tomlinson QC has concluded that there were no “proper grounds” to investigate allegations that former chief constable David Crompton directed his legal team to blame supporters for the 1989 tragedy.

His findings come after former communications specialist Hayley Court claimed to have been hired by South Yorkshire Police to tell the media what to write during the inquests.

Although Mr Tomlinson accepted the force did try ‘spread the blame’, he believes this was due to poor judgment rather than deliberate wrongdoing.

Mr Tomlinson also criticised Mr Crompton’s “apparent failure” to differentiate South Yorkshire Police’s position at the inquests from that of the retired senior officers involved.

His findings, released on Tuesday (November 29), back the IPCC’s own assessment that there was no evidence Mr Crompton committed a criminal or misconduct offence.

He added that questions asked by the force’s lawyers were not part of a “deliberate or predetermined strategy”.

However, Mr Tomlinson disagreed with the IPCC over protected communications between Mr Crompton and his legal team, as he believes the lack of access to them would not necessarily prevent an investigation.

Publishing the review, Deputy IPCC chair Rachel Cerfontyne said: “I commissioned this review to ensure external scrutiny of my decision, as I know that it has been of great concern to the Hillsborough families.

“Hugh Tomlinson QC was recommended by the Hillsborough Article 2 Reference Group and although his instructions came from the IPCC, those instructions stressed his independent role.

“I accept his findings and I am grateful for the speed with which he carried out his work.”