Ex-Soldier in Bloody Sunday Case Awaits Court Ruling on Murder Charges
A former British soldier, referred to as Soldier F, is set to learn today whether the murder and attempted murder charges against him in relation to the 1972 Bloody Sunday killings will be dismissed.
Soldier F, whose identity remains protected due to security concerns, is accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney during the civil rights march in Londonderry that ended in tragedy. On January 30, 1972, members of the Parachute Regiment opened fire on unarmed protesters in the city’s Bogside area, killing 13 people. Soldier F also faces charges of attempting to murder five others during the incident.
Defence Argues Insufficient Evidence
In a pre-trial hearing in June, Soldier F’s defence team argued for the case to be dismissed, citing an “insufficiency of evidence.” They maintained that the prosecution had failed to establish a compelling case against him.
The prosecution, however, argued that Soldier F was part of a group of paratroopers who opened fire indiscriminately on unarmed civilians attempting to flee the area. Prosecutors asserted that the soldiers acted with intent to kill.
Anonymity and Security Concerns
During the same hearing, Soldier F’s legal team also sought to extend provisions granting him anonymity and screening from public view in court. They argued that revealing his identity would make him a “prized target” for dissident republican groups.
The veteran appeared in Belfast Crown Court in person for the first time since the case was initiated. A blue curtain shielded him from public view while he sat in the witness box, preserving his anonymity.
Judgment Expected Today
Judge Mr Justice Fowler is set to rule on both the defence’s application to dismiss the charges and the request to extend anonymity measures later today.
The case against Soldier F has been controversial, drawing significant attention due to the long-standing sensitivities surrounding Bloody Sunday, one of the darkest chapters in Northern Ireland’s Troubles.
The original events and subsequent investigations have sparked decades of debate, with victims’ families campaigning for accountability and transparency. Today’s ruling could have profound implications for the pursuit of justice in one of the most infamous incidents in recent British and Irish history.