Soldier F Found Not Guilty of Bloody Sunday Murders and Attempted Murders

Strategic Insights -

The evidence presented against Soldier F, a veteran paratrooper, fell short of what was required for conviction, resulting in a not-guilty verdict for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney on Bloody Sunday in 1972. The non-jury trial, which heard evidence across four weeks, included statements from two of Soldier F's colleagues, but the sole evidence against him was from hearsay statements by Soldiers G and H. The trial highlighted the difficulties in relying on hearsay evidence, and the judge noted that delay had hampered the defense's ability to test the veracity and accuracy of the statements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Soldier F, a veteran paratrooper, was found not guilty of the murders of James Wray and William McKinney on Bloody Sunday in 1972.
  • The evidence presented against Soldier F fell short of what was required for conviction, with the judge stating that the crown had failed to establish that Soldier F was knowingly and intentionally assisting in the shootings.
  • The sole evidence against Soldier F was from hearsay statements by Soldiers G and H, which were deemed unreliable.
  • The judge noted that delay had hampered the defense's ability to test the veracity and accuracy of the hearsay statements.
  • Relatives of the men killed and supporters of Soldier F attended each day of the trial.
  • The judge criticized the British army for shielding and enabling its soldiers to continue to murder with impunity.
  • The families of the victims plan to fight on, with one relative vowing to continue seeking justice despite the not-guilty verdict.

Statistics:

  • 13 people were killed on Bloody Sunday in 1972.
  • 2 people were murdered by members of the Parachute Regiment in Glenfada Park North in Derry on Bloody Sunday.
  • A number of people were unlawfully wounded due to the actions of the Parachute Regiment.
  • The trial spanned four weeks.
  • Soldier F was present at Belfast Crown Court for each day of the trial, concealed behind a curtain in the courtroom.
  • Relatives of the men killed and supporters of Soldier F also attended each day of the trial.

Sources:

  • PA (no date) "Soldier F found not guilty of Bloody Sunday murders and attempted murders"