The Thirlwall Inquiry has concluded the current phase of its public hearings. Since hearings began on 10th September 2024, the Inquiry has sat for 59 days and heard evidence from 133 witnesses. The Inquiry additionally issued 355 ‘Rule 9’ requests for information, resulting in 396 witness statements.
Drawing this phase of evidence to a close, Lady Justice Thirlwall said: “I am grateful to witnesses who came to give evidence. I am particularly indebted to the many parents who provided witness statements and/or gave oral evidence of the terrible events and experiences in 2015, 2016 and ever since. Their powerful evidence is an enduring reminder of the reason for this inquiry.”
Lady Justice Thirlwall also thanked Liverpool City Council for hosting the hearings and to volunteers from The Coroners’ Court Support Service for their support over this period.
The next phase will focus on closing submissions. Core Participants are required to submit written submissions by 28th February, with oral submissions scheduled for 17th and 18th March in Liverpool.
All further updates and information will be published on the Inquiry’s website.