Soldier F Trial: Defence Barrister Brands Key Witness a 'Liar' and 'Fabricator'

Prosecution case relies heavily on hearsay evidence from two former paratroopers, Soldier G and Soldier H, which contradicts civilian witness accounts. Defence barrister Mark Mulholland KC yesterday questioned the reliability of Soldier H, accusing him of being an unreliable witness and a fabricator. Soldier F, a former paratrooper, is charged with the murders of James Wray and William McKinney during the Bloody Sunday unrest in Londonderry on January 30, 1972. The veteran has pleaded not guilty to seven counts, including two murders and five attempted murders.

Key Takeaways:

• Defence barrister Mark Mulholland KC branded Soldier H a "liar" and "fabricator" for changing his evidence over the years.
• Soldier H's evidence is crucial to the prosecution's case, placing Soldier F in Glenfada Park North and alleging he opened fire.
• Soldier G has since died, while Soldier H has exercised his right against self-incrimination and will not attend the trial.
• The prosecution's case is "fundamentally inconsistent" and contradicts civilian witness evidence of one soldier firing by himself.
• Soldier F was interviewed voluntarily under caution in March 2016, but declined to respond to questions citing a lack of reliable recollection.
• The trial continues, with Soldier F behind a curtain in the courtroom due to a non-jury trial.
• Soldier H's stance on the trial has raised concerns about his reliability as a witness.

Statistics:

• 13 people were shot dead by the Parachute Regiment on Bloody Sunday in 1972.
• Soldier F is charged with 7 counts, including 2 murders and 5 attempted murders.
• Soldier G has passed away, while Soldier H has invoked his privilege against self-incrimination.
• The trial began last month without a jury, with Soldier F behind a curtain.
• Soldier F gave a voluntary interview under caution in March 2016.

Sources:

• Telegraph reporters
• Pacemaker Press