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Military trials

Bloody Sunday Families' Quest for Justice Continues After Soldier F's Acquittal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Mickey McKinney, the brother of Willie McKinney who was killed on Bloody Sunday, has spoken out about the ongoing quest for justice for the 26 unarmed people shot by members of the British Army on January 30, 1972. Despite the acquittal of Soldier F, Mickey remains committed to pursuing justice for his family and the other victims. The Bloody Sunday families' journey has been long and arduous, with a 12-year investigation by the Saville Report finding that the soldiers had 'lost control' and fatally shot fleeing, unarmed civilians and those who tried to help the wounded.

Key Takeaways:

  • Soldier F was acquitted of charges of murdering Willie McKinney and James Wray, and of five other charges of attempted murder due to the lack of reliable evidence.
  • The only evidence against Soldier F relied on the statements of two soldier colleagues, G and H, who were found to be 'serially untruthful'.
  • Mickey McKinney and the other Bloody Sunday families do not regret the time and effort spent pursuing justice, despite the acquittal.
  • The pursuit of a case against Soldier H for alleged perjury is ongoing.
  • The Saville Report found the British soldiers had 'lost control' and fatally shot fleeing, unarmed civilians and those who tried to help the wounded.
  • The report concluded that the killings were 'unjustified' and 'unjustifiable' and that soldiers had concocted lies in their attempt to hide their acts.
  • The case highlights the challenges of prosecuting legacy cases, particularly those involving the British Army's actions in Northern Ireland.

Statistics:

  • 26 unarmed people were shot by members of the 1st battalion (1 Para) of the British Army's Parachute Regiment on Bloody Sunday.
  • 13 men and teenage boys were killed on the day, while a 14th man died of his injuries four months later.
  • £225 million was spent on the Saville Report, making it the most expensive inquiry in UK history.
  • 53 years have passed since Bloody Sunday, and the families are still seeking justice.
  • Soldier F was charged with six counts, including two of murder and four of attempted murder.

Sources:

  • The Saville Report (June 2010)
  • David Cameron's apology on behalf of Britain (June 2010)
  • Case transcript: Soldier F's acquittal by Judge Patrick Lynch
  • Interview with Mickey McKinney
  • Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service's statement on the case

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