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The IPCC has not found any evidence to support the allegations that former South Yorkshire Police communications specialist Hayley Court was instructed to behave unethically at the Hillsborough inquests.

It was alleged that a superintendent instructed Miss Court to persuade the media reporting on the inquests to write negatively about Liverpool fans and other parties to deflect blame from the force. The independent investigation found no case to answer for misconduct or unsatisfactory performance.

Four instances were examined where the superintendent allegedly told Miss Court to “schmooze” the media. Investigators concluded that Miss Court was encouraged to build a working relationship with journalists, however no corroborating evidence was found to support the allegations that this was a deliberate attempt to manipulate the media.

Miss Court’s predecessor stated that the only brief she had when carrying out the role had been to ensure “balanced and accurate reporting” of the proceedings. If Miss Court was given the alleged instructions, it seems likely that similar instructions would have been given to anyone carrying out the communications specialist role.

Investigators concluded that Miss Court may have misunderstood some of her directions and highlighted a lack of clear unambiguous written guidance on how the force’s staff should engage with the media during court proceedings.

Evidence gathered includes witness accounts from Miss Court, a number of police staff, members of the SYP inquest legal team and a journalist who had contact with Miss Court at the hearings. Other materials examined include emails and notes from relevant meetings.

The investigation report can be read here.

Deputy Chair Rachel Cerfontyne said: “It is reasonable to expect that somebody employed to liaise with the media at the Hillsborough inquests should build a relationship with journalists in order to carry out the role effectively. However, it would be improper if this relationship was used to unethically influence or manipulate the media in a way that was alleged.  We investigated this matter thoroughly and I am satisfied that the evidence found does not support the allegations.”