The way blood alcohol levels were presented at the individual inquests
The allegation that the decision to test blood alcohol was part of an attempt to discredit Liverpool supporters was reinforced for some by the way the information about blood alcohol was presented at the Popper Inquests. As explained earlier, the blood alcohol levels of all those who died were read out together in the evidence of the toxicologist, Dr Bob Forrest. Each individual’s blood alcohol level was then read out again as part of the factual summary given in relation to that individual.
IOPC investigators asked Dr Popper why blood alcohol levels had been read out twice in this way. Dr Popper could not specifically recall this and suggested “it was merely a matter of convenience”.
Documentary evidence shows that the approach was discussed at a pre-inquest review meeting, attended by some of the solicitors representing the families of those who had died in the disaster. There was no suggestion that any of them voiced any concern about it.
WMP was supporting Dr Popper in his work. The IOPC therefore examined records of WMP’s investigation, such as the policy books of ACC Jones, who led WMP’s work for the Popper Inquests. No reference of any sort was found to when blood alcohol levels should or would be read out.
While presenting the information twice in this way may have been distressing to families, the IOPC found no evidence to suggest it was done in an attempt to discredit those who died, or Liverpool supporters more generally.
