Soldier F Found Not Guilty of Murder and Attempted Murder on Bloody Sunday
The trial of Soldier F, a former member of the Parachute Regiment, has ended with a verdict of not guilty on charges of murdering James Wray and William McKinney, as well as five charges of attempted murder, in connection with the Bloody Sunday incident in Londonderry on January 30, 1972. The incident resulted in the deaths of 13 people and injuries to at least 15 others during a civil rights demonstration in the Bogside area. The judge, Patrick Lynch, acknowledged that members of the Parachute Regiment had lost all sense of military discipline and shot unarmed civilians as they fled.
Key Takeaways:
- Soldier F, a former member of the Parachute Regiment, has been found not guilty of murdering James Wray and William McKinney, as well as five charges of attempted murder, in connection with the Bloody Sunday incident.
- The trial was held at Belfast Crown Court and lasted five weeks, with the judge, Patrick Lynch, sitting without a jury.
- The verdict was met with mixed reactions from the families of the victims and supporters of Soldier F, with some expressing pride and others describing it as a "tough, sad and emotional" day.
- Solicitor Ciaran Shiels described Soldier F as "the most protected serial killer in British legal history," highlighting the unique circumstances of the case.
- The trial has brought attention to the ongoing pain experienced by the families of those killed and injured on Bloody Sunday, with Northern Ireland's veterans' commissioner, David Johnstone, emphasizing the need not to forget the events of 50 years ago.
Statistics:
- 13 people were killed on Bloody Sunday on January 30, 1972.
- At least 15 others were injured during the incident.
- Soldier F was screened from public view and his name was not disclosed during the trial in order to protect his identity.
- The trial lasted five weeks.
- Soldier F was the only military veteran to be prosecuted over the shootings.
Sources:
- BBC News
- United News of India