Is delivering justice for victims and families more important than pursuing legal/prosecutorial success when investigating historic disasters?

A new IOPC report found 12 former police officers would have faced gross misconduct charges over the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, but none will be disciplined as they are retired or deceased.

Families of the 97 victims called it a “bitter injustice,” saying meaningful accountability remains absent despite clear evidence of police failings.

The IOPC acknowledged that while legal outcomes were limited, truth and transparency were achieved.

The case raises questions about whether delivering justice and recognition for victims and families should take precedence over legal or prosecutorial outcomes in historic disaster investigations.