Hillsborough police payout condemned

Ninety-six fans died in the crush at Hillsborough

Families of victims of the Hillsborough disaster have condemned a six-figure compensation payment to a policeman on duty on the day of the tragedy.

Former sergeant Martin Long, who was at Sheffield Wednesday's ground when 96 Liverpool football fans were crushed to death on 15 April 1989, is thought to have been awarded £330,000 for post-traumatic stress disorder.

There are people who lost their sons, daughters and loved ones and received nothing

Phil Hammond, Hillsborough Family Support Group

His former employers, South Yorkshire Police, have agreed to pay the 39-year-old former police officer an out-of-court settlement.

Phil Hammond, vice-chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group - who received £3,500 compensation for the death of his 14-year-old son - has condemned the payment as "disgusting".

He said: "We all thought too much time had lapsed for claims like that. When you think about the pittance paid to the families.

"I'm not saying he didn't suffer but those police officers were there to do a job."

Caught in the crush

Mr Hammond's son Philip had travelled with the Boys' Brigade to the 1989 FA Cup semi-final match.

He was one of 96 Liverpool fans fatally injured during a crush on the Leppings Lane terrace of Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough ground.

Mr Hammond said: "There are people who lost their sons, daughters and loved ones and received nothing.

"There is a huge difference between the amount paid to the police and the amount paid to survivors."

'Breakdown'

It is understood Mr Long's compensation case was due to be heard at the High Court at Sheffield this week but an agreement was reached between the two parties.

He has suffered from the breakdown as a result of Hillsborough and is still affected by it

Mr Long's solicitor

Solicitor Simon Allen, of Sheffield firm Russell, Jones and Walker, said his client suffered a breakdown following the tragedy.

"Mr Long went into Leppings Lane and was rescuing people. He has suffered from the breakdown as a result of Hillsborough and is still affected by it," he said.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Daines, of South Yorkshire Police, declined to comment on the settlement, except to say: "We are pleased that another chapter of the Hillsborough disaster has now been closed."