Sister of Hillsborough victim welcomes new inquest application (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Sister of Hillsborough victim welcomes new inquest application

7:30am Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News

THE sister of Andrew Brookes, the Bromsgrove man who was killed in the Hillsborough stadium disaster, has welcomed the news that the Attorney General has paved the way for a new inquest into his death.

Mr Brookes was 26 when he died at the FA Cup semi final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, which was held at the stadium in 1989.

In September the Advertiser reported on how his family learned Mr Brookes was one of 41 who could have been saved, and he was of the deceased checked by officers using the Police National Computer.

This was part of a cover up by the authorities, seen by many as the biggest in British history, revealed in a report by the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

The Brookes family has always challenged the original inquest into Mr Brookes death, which recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Yesterday, (October 16), Attorney General Dominic Grieve told the House of Commons he is applying to have the original verdicts in the inquests of the 96 deaths at Hillsborough quashed.

Mr Grieve said the deaths of the supporters should be considered afresh, and although any criminal proceedings would have an impact on when a new inquest could be held, this would not affect the timing of his application.

Speaking to the Advertiser Ms Brookes said her family was really happy, as a new inquest was something they had always wanted.

“The death certificate is not worth the paper it is written on.

“We always hoped for it (a new inquest) - and for the truth to come out.

“We were never going to stop fighting.”

Mr Grieve’s statement follows the news the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and the Director of Public Prosecutions have confirmed the biggest ever independent investigation into police wrongdoing is to take place.

Ms Brookes said: “I know a few families where parents have passed away, and went to their grave not knowing what happened to their children.

“The main thing is we want it done properly this time.

"It is only right.”