Date published: 17th October 2016

The current Chief Constable has refused to allow the IPCC access to documents which might show how far former Chief Constable Crompton was ready to go in seeking to blame the fans for the Hillsborough disaster.

The Chief Constable was asked by Broudie Jackson Canter, representing 20 of the Hillsborough families to waive legal privilege so that the IPCC could properly investigate the families' complaint about Mr Crompton's conduct during and after the Inquest. He refused. 

Meanwhile, Mr Crompton is challenging the decision of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Billings that he should resign.

Elkan Abrahamson of Broudie Jackson Canter said that the IPCC decision was predictable: 

“Yet again SYP protect their own, yet again the IPCC are impotent, and yet again the taxpayer will foot the bill when Mr Crompton sues the force for unfair dismissal.”

Pete Weatherby QC who represented 22 families at the Inquest added:

“This is a deeply regrettable decision by the IPCC.  The IPCC were represented by counsel in the inquest proceedings so they know precisely how Mr Crompton conducted SYP’s case.  From blaming the supporters, Sheffield Wednesday stewards and the Council, SYP tried to avoid responsibility, directly contrary to Mr Crompton’s public apology and acceptance of responsibility in 2012.  So long as senior public servants are allowed to act with impunity there will be little trust in the police, the IPCC or public authorities generally.”

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