Soldier F Trial: Judge Admits Key Evidence Despite Defence Concerns

The trial of Soldier F, charged with the murders of two unarmed civilians during the 1972 Derry civil rights parade, continued on Thursday with Judge Lynch ruling that the statements of two former paratroopers will be allowed as evidence. The defence had objected to the reliability of these statements, but the judge declined to direct a verdict of not guilty on this basis. The defence will now open its case, but has indicated that it will not call its client to testify. Soldier F is accused of the murders of James Wray and William McKinney, as well as attempting to murder five others.

Key Takeaways:

• The trial of Soldier F continued on Thursday with Judge Lynch admitting the statements of two former paratroopers, Soldiers G and H, as evidence.
• The defence had objected to the reliability of these statements, citing concerns about their unreliability.
• Despite these concerns, the judge declined to direct a verdict of not guilty on this basis, allowing the statements to be used as evidence.
• The defence has now opened its case, but has indicated that it will not call its client, Soldier F, to testify.
• Soldier F is accused of the murders of James Wray and William McKinney, as well as attempting to murder five others.
• The trial has been a non-jury trial, with Soldier F sitting in the courtroom behind a curtain.
• Relatives of the victims and supporters are in attendance, along with veterans' representatives including Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland David Johnstone and Paul Young from the Northern Ireland Veterans Movement.

Statistics:

• 13 people were shot dead by the Parachute Regiment on January 30, 1972.
• Soldier F is charged with seven counts, including the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murder of five others.
• The trial of Soldier F began last month.