Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield will face a retrial over the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans, a judge has ruled.
Judge Sir Peter Openshaw made the ruling at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday morning following a hearing on Monday.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) sought a retrial after a jury was discharged in April following a 10-week trial.
READ MORE: Hillsborough: Liverpool pauses to remember fallen on 30th anniversary
The application was resisted by lawyers for the 74-year-old retired chief superintendent.
The judge said: “I authorise a retrial of defendant David Duckenfield.”
Ninety-six men, women and children died in the crush on the Leppings Lane terrace at the FA Cup semi-final on April 15 1989.
READ MORE: Ex-club secretary fined for safety breach over Hillsborough disaster
Under the law at the time, Duckenfield was not charged over the death of the 96th victim, Tony Bland, as he died more than a year and a day after the disaster.
About 10 family members were in court to hear the judge’s ruling along with a dozen members of the press.
A retrial is expected to take place on October 7.
Court was adjourned until later on Tuesday when legal discussions will take place.
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