FAMILIES of six Halton victims who died at Hillsborough have expressed their relief after their loved ones were finally exonerated.

Fresh inquests into the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans concluded they were unlawfully killed at the FA Cup semi final on April 15, 1989.

Kevin Tyrell, 15, Adam Spearitt, 14, Thomas Howard, 14, and his dad, Thomas, 39, from Runcorn, Peter Thompson, 30, from Widnes and David Benson, 22, from Penketh who worked in Widnes were crushed in the terraces.

Relatives have spoken of their ‘total elation’ after hearing the long-awaited verdict.

David’s mum, Gloria said: “I will be able to sleep. I feel as if I’m floating on air.”

His dad, Brian, 79, added: “I just feel total elation. We have been in court every three or four days for the past two years.

“We have been let down so many times and so many lies have been told.”

David and his twin brother Paul were born six weeks early in November 1966.

After leaving school David worked as a commercial trainee in a timber company in Widnes.

He went to most of the home matches but didn’t usually attend away games because he was so keen on playing himself.

But on April 15, 1989, David travelled to Hillsborough to watch his beloved team.

Brian said: “When we went to identify my son I sat down with two policeman and all they could ask me was ‘did he drink?’, ‘did he smoke?’, ‘did he have any drugs on him?’, ‘did he have a ticket?’”

“I was in such a state I did not realise what was happening.”

David left behind his partner Lesley, now 48, and daughter Kirsty, now 29, who was two years old when her dad died.

Kirsty has welcomed three children into the world, Cody, 8, Fynn, 2 and Hattie, born seven weeks ago.

The family is in no doubt David would have been an incredible grandfather and have vowed to make sure his legacy as a loving family man lives on.

“We will never forget David,” added Brian. “But I just want to go home and forget about what’s gone on. It’s been trauma and trauma.”