Hillsborough police chief to retire (From Salisbury Journal)
If you have a story call our newsdesk on 01722 426511 or email us. To advertise call 01722 426500.
Hillsborough police chief to retire
6:59pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013
Sir Norman Bettison, who is to retire as Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police after controversy over his role in the Hillsborough tragedy
Sir Norman Bettison is to retire as Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police after controversy over his role in the Hillsborough tragedy.
A complaint was made to police watchdog the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) that he had supplied misleading information in the wake of the disaster.
Sir Norman said in a statement: "Recent weeks have caused me to reflect on what is best for the future of policing in West Yorkshire and I have now decided to set a firm date for my retirement of 31 March 2013."
The IPCC also said that there was a second element to the referral, which related to a statement Sir Norman made in September following the report of the Hillsborough Independent Panel.
In the statement, Sir Norman said the Liverpool fans' behaviour made policing the tragedy in 1989 "harder than it needed to be". His comments sparked fury, and led to calls for him to resign.
Sir Norman responded with an apology and said his role was never to "besmirch" the fans and added that the Liverpool supporters were in no way to blame for the disaster.
Sir Norman was a chief inspector with South Yorkshire Police in 1989 but was off duty on April 15 and went to the match as a spectator. Later, he was involved in an internal inquiry held by the force in the aftermath of the tragedy and has has denied any wrongdoing in relation to the disaster.
In a message posted on the West Yorkshire Police website, Sir Norman said he hoped his departure would assist the IPCC in its inquiry.
He said: "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."
Sir Norman previously defended his role in the aftermath of April 15 1989, saying: "I never altered a statement nor asked for one to be altered."
