OF the 14 police officers who won £1.2 million damages for mental scars left by the Hillsborough disaster, only five have left the force.

Presumably that means that the rest feel able to carry on working and receiving their salary despite their post-traumatic stress. No wonder there are those who question whether whether all, or even any, of the 14 officers should have have received £90,000 each.

Every member of the emergency services knows that he or she may be called on to deal with horrific situations and may be put at risk while doing it. That is the duty they accept. There may be a few people who misjudge their own capabilities and strengths and collapse under the stress. Support rather than compensation may be appropriate for them.

Inspector John Morgan, helped to rescue fans from the terraces at Hillsborough and the trauma still troubles him, but he has never considered lodging a claim. He believes that when officers are called upon to deal with extremely unpleasant incidents, it's part of the job. We applaud his resolve.

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