JURORS in the trial of Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield have been urged to be "objective" and "dispassionate" as the judge began his summing up of the trial.

Judge Sir Peter Openshaw started summing up the case at Preston Crown Court on Thursday in the 10th week of the trial of Duckenfield, who is accused of the gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans, and former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell, who is charged with a safety offence.

He said: "The death of 96 spectators, many of whom were very young, is a profound human tragedy attended by much sadness and anger which for many is as raw today as it was 30 years ago.

"Understandably, and probably inevitably, there have been times during the trial of heightened emotion and distress of which you will have been keenly aware.

"But, as you go about your duty to strive to deliver verdicts according to the evidence you must try and put aside your emotions and sympathies and to decide the case after an objective and dispassionate review of the evidence."

The court heard neither of the defendants gave evidence during the trial or answered questions when interviewed by police.

The judge said: "You must not draw any adverse inference against them because they have exercised their right."

He said both men were of good character and had no previous convictions or cautions.

He warned jurors to consider the disadvantages the defendants faced because the trial was taking place 30 years after the disaster.

Describing the layout of the stadium, Sir Peter said football games in the 1980s were played in a different atmosphere and pitch invasions were common.

He said: "Football hooliganism, sometimes fuelled by a heady mixture of tribalism and excessive drinking, marred many games at which there could be hostility and even violence shown between rival supporters."

He told the court stadium safety expert John Cutlack had estimated that alterations to the Leppings Lane terrace, including the introduction of radial fences, meant the safe capacity was 5,426, rather than 7,200 as stated on the ground's safety certificate.

Sir Peter said the fact there should have been reductions in the capacity was not the fault of either Duckenfield or Mackrell.

He reminded the jury of evidence about the planning for the FA Cup semi-final on April 15 1989, and said the South Yorkshire Police operational order made it clear Duckenfield was in overall command on the day.

Duckenfield, 74, denies the unlawful killing of 95 supporters who died following the crush in the central pens of the Leppings Lane terrace at the match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

Under the law at the time, there can be no prosecution for the 96th victim, Tony Bland, as he died more than a year and a day after the disaster.

Twelve of those who lost their lives were from Wirral and Ellesmere Port.

Mackrell, 69, denies failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The court was adjourned until Friday, when the judge is expected to continue summing up.