Soldier F Trial Begins for Bloody Sunday Murders

Strategic Insights -

The long-awaited trial of Soldier F, accused of murdering two civilians and attempting to kill five others on Bloody Sunday in 1972, has started in Belfast Crown Court. The non-jury trial, being heard by judge Patrick Lynch, revolves around the events of January 30, 1972, when members of the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 civil rights protesters on the streets of Londonderry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Soldier F is charged with two counts of murder for the deaths of James Wray and William McKinney, and five counts of attempted murder for the wounding of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon, Patrick O'Donnell, and a person unknown.
  • The prosecution's case claims that the shooting of civilians in the Glenfada Park North courtyard was unjustified, as the civilians did not pose a threat to the soldiers and were unarmed.
  • The Saville Inquiry, published in 2010, found that there was no justification for shooting any of those killed or wounded, and police launched a murder investigation.
  • The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) had discontinued the prosecution in 2020 due to concerns about the admissibility of evidence, but the prosecution was later resumed after the family of Mr. McKinney challenged the decision.
  • The trial is significant as it marks a major step towards justice for the Bloody Sunday families and the wider community, following decades of tireless campaigning and advocacy.
  • The issue of evidence admissibility, particularly the RMP statement evidence, is set to be examined in the first week of proceedings.
  • The case against Soldier F involves RMP statement evidence from other soldiers who were on the ground in the Bogside during the shootings, and the outcome of the McCann case prompted the PPS to review the prosecution.
  • The prosecution's barrister, Louis Mably, emphasized in his opening statement that the shooting was unnecessary, gratuitous, and involved an intent to kill or cause serious harm.

Statistics:

  • 13 people were killed on Bloody Sunday in 1972.
  • 14th victim of Bloody Sunday, identified as person unknown, died four months later due to an inoperable brain tumour.
  • 14 people were shot by paratroopers on Bloody Sunday.
  • 2 people were killed, and 4 others were wounded in the Glenfada Park North courtyard shooting.
  • 1 former paratrooper, Soldier F, is being prosecuted for 2 murders and 5 counts of attempted murder.
  • 2 veterans, Soldier A and Soldier C, had their case collapsed in April 2021 after a judge ruled key evidence was inadmissible.

Sources:

  • Saville Inquiry (2010)
  • Public Prosecution Service (PPS) announcement (2019)
  • PA Reporters (soldier F trial begins)
  • The Guardian (Soldier F trial)
  • BBC News (Soldier F trial)
  • Imagestore.jpimedia.uk (Bloody Sunday Commemoration mural in Londonderry)
  • Imagestore.jpimedia.uk (supporters of Soldier F outside Belfast Crown Court)