THE POLICE commander on the day of the Hillsborough disaster will stand trial for the manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 Liverpool fans, a judge ruled today.

South Yorkshire Police chief superintendent David Duckenfield was in charge when dozens were killed on April 15 1989 during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, which was played at Sheffield Wednesday’s ground.

Four other individuals charged with matters related to the disaster and its aftermath will also face trial following abuse of process arguments, which were heard earlier this month.

Judge Peter Openshaw lifted a stay on Mr Duckenfield’s prosecution, which had been imposed in 2000, at Preston Crown Court yesterday.

He said: “I confirm that I grant the voluntary bill of indictment to allow prosecution against him for manslaughter to proceed. I decline to order a stay on that charge.”

Mr Duckenfield faces 95 counts of manslaughter by gross negligence, and is accused of breaching his duty “to take reasonable care for the safety of those attending the Hillsborough stadium as spectators in respect of the dangers from overcrowding and consequent crushing.”

He will now go on trial on September 10 alongside former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell, 68, who is charged with a health and safety offence and failing in his duties as the club’s safety officer.

The prosecution decided not to proceed with a third charge against Mackrell, the judge said.

Donald Denton, 80, a South Yorkshire police chief superintendent at the time of the disaster, his deputy, former chief inspector Alan Foster, 71, and South Yorkshire Police’s then solicitor, Peter Metcalf, 68, will stand trial next January on charges of perverting the course of justice.