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Concerns Over Transparency in Inquest Related to Cusack Family
During a recent hearing, Maria Mulla, representing the Cusack family, expressed significant concerns regarding the perceived lack of transparency in the ongoing inquest. Mulla pointed out issues particularly concerning the documents being shared with the family, mentioning that a report from the Football Association (FA) contained numerous redacted sections and missing pages.
“The family seeks transparency as this inquest unfolds,” Mulla stated, emphasizing the importance of open access to information during the proceedings.
Coroner Sophie Cartwright responded to these concerns by explaining that the redactions made fall under what is known as the “Worcestershire principle.” This principle allows for certain disclosures to be redacted if they are deemed not relevant to the case.
Cartwright noted that she had received “full, unfettered access” to the documents, yet both the FA and Sheffield United had requested redactions prior to the information being disclosed further. She indicated that additional redactions were also deemed necessary from her perspective.
Legal representatives for Sheffield United and the FA maintained that their actions were compliant with established legal principles. In a show of understanding, Coroner Cartwright apologized to the Cusack family for the delays experienced in the compilation of the disclosure bundle, which consists of over 700 pages of documents. The bundle was sent to the family earlier this week.
“I apologize to the family; you have been waiting a long time for disclosure that is important to you,” Cartwright acknowledged during the hearing.
Following the tragic death of the Cusack family member, concerns were raised regarding the practices and behaviors within Sheffield United, especially relating to the former women’s team manager, Jonathan Morgan. An investigation commissioned by the club concluded with no findings of misconduct.
In contrast, the FA has initiated its own investigation to determine whether any further actions are warranted under its jurisdiction within the sport.
In a previous hearing, the FA’s legal counsel indicated that a report would be submitted to the coroner by mid-January, which has been confirmed to have occurred.
At the recent hearing, Jonathan Morgan appeared alone, while Stephen Walsh, the FA’s legal counsel, and David Matthews, head of integrity, were also present. Stephen Bettis, the chief executive of Sheffield United, attended the hearing remotely.
A fourth pre-inquest hearing has been set for June 3rd. The coroner indicated that while the earliest potential date for the actual inquest is late July, it may likely be delayed until the end of the year.
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