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Murder

Family of Daniel Hegarty Seeks to Lift Soldier B's Anonymity in Civil Claim for Unlawful Killing

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The family of Daniel Hegarty, a 15-year-old boy shot dead by British soldiers in Derry in 1972, is pursuing a civil claim for unlawful killing against the Ministry of Defence. As part of this claim, the family's lawyers are seeking to lift the anonymity of Soldier B, the ex-serviceman who was to be prosecuted for Daniel's murder. The case has a complex history, with criminal proceedings against Soldier B being discontinued after the collapse of a separate trial. A review hearing was held today, where the family's barrister indicated that Soldier B's identity should no longer be protected. The case is now set to be heard in January next year, with the family's solicitor arguing that there is no reason to maintain Soldier B's anonymity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The family of Daniel Hegarty is seeking to lift the anonymity of Soldier B, who was to be prosecuted for the teenager's murder.
  • Daniel Hegarty was shot twice in the head by British soldiers in July 1972 during Operation Motorman, a initiative to clear no-go areas set up by republican paramilitaries.
  • An inquest jury previously found that Daniel posed no risk and had been shot without warning.
  • The case has a complex history, with criminal proceedings against Soldier B being discontinued after the collapse of a separate trial.
  • Daniel's sister, Margaret Brady, is pursuing a civil action against the Ministry of Defence over her brother's alleged unlawful killing.
  • Christopher Hegarty, Daniel's 17-year-old cousin, is also suing the MoD in a claim for personal injury damages.
  • Soldier B died two months after the decision to drop the case against him was quashed by senior judges in Belfast.

Statistics:

  • Daniel Hegarty was shot twice in the head in July 1972.
  • The inquest jury found that Daniel posed no risk at the time of his death.
  • The case against Soldier B was discontinued after the collapse of a separate trial.
  • Soldier B died two months after the decision to drop the case against him was quashed by senior judges in Belfast.
  • The family's civil claim against the Ministry of Defence is set to be heard in January next year.

Sources:

  • [BBC News: "Family of 1972 Derry shooting victim seeks to reveal name of soldier"]
  • [The Belfast News Letter: "Hegarty family solicitor insists Soldier B's name should be revealed"]
  • [The Irish News: "Civil action against MoD over Derry Troubles killing moves forward"]

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