Bloody Sunday Trial: Soldier F Accused of Murder and Attempted Murder

The trial of a former paratrooper, known as Soldier F, has begun at Belfast Crown Court, where he is accused of murdering two men and attempting to murder five others on Bloody Sunday in 1972. The prosecution's opening statement, made by barrister Louis Mably, argued that the shooting of civilians was "unjustified," "unnecessary," and "gratuitous," and that the soldiers involved had lost control of themselves. The veteran's trial is being held in the absence of the public and press, with the non-jury case being heard by Judge Patrick Lynch.

Key Takeaways:

• Soldier F is accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney on Bloody Sunday, in addition to attempting to murder five others.
• The prosecution's case argues that the shooting of civilians was unjustified, unnecessary, and gratuitous.
• Two other soldiers involved in the shootings had given statements to the Royal Military Police, admitting to opening fire in the incident and claiming that Soldier F had also opened fire.
• The trial is being held 53 years after the events of Bloody Sunday, and is the culmination of a 50-year justice campaign by the Wray and McKinney families.
• Many veterans feel frustrated, angry, and betrayed by the legacy process since 1998, and believe that a fair and balanced legacy process is necessary for reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

Statistics:

• 13 people were killed on Bloody Sunday in 1972.
• Another man who was shot by paratroopers died four months later, with many considering him the 14th victim.
• The Saville Inquiry, which reported in 2010, found that there was no justification for shooting any of those killed or wounded.
• Soldier F is accused of seven counts: two murders and five attempted murders.

Sources:

• Belfast Crown Court
• Public Prosecution Service
• Daily Mail (news@dailymail.ie)
• Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone
• Stormont MP Ivan Cooper (via statement read to the court)