Soldier F Trial: Prosecution Alleges Unjustified Killings on Bloody Sunday

Strategic Insights -

The Soldier F trial, related to the events of Bloody Sunday in 1972, commenced at Laganside Crown Court. Prosecution barrister Louis Maybly, KC, detailed the charges against the defendant, Soldier F, including two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder. The events in question occurred on January 30, 1972, when Soldier F and his comrades allegedly shot at civilians in Glenfada Park North, causing casualties. The prosecution's case hinges on the notion that the shootings were unjustified, with civilians posing no threat to the soldiers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Soldier F is charged with the murders of William McKinney (26) and James Wray (22), as well as five counts of attempted murder.
  • The charges stem from the events of Bloody Sunday, January 30, 1972, when Soldier F deployed into the Bogside as a member of the Parachute Regiment.
  • The prosecution emphasizes that the civilians did not pose any threat to the soldiers and that the shootings were unnecessary and gratuitous.
  • Three key prosecution witnesses, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and Joseph Friel, will testify after 50 years, bringing their accounts of Bloody Sunday.
  • The court has been shown detailed historic maps and photographs of the area around Rossville Street and Glenfada Park North from 1972.
  • The prosecution plans to make a hearsay application to the court on Wednesday regarding statements made by British paratroopers to the Royal Military Police (RMP) and the Widgery Tribunal.
  • Evidence from witnesses demonstrates that soldiers opened fire on people running away, shooting them in the side and back, and disregarding basic military discipline.

Statistics:

  • 2 people were killed, James Wray (22) and William McKinney (26).
  • 4 people suffered injuries.
  • 13 men and boys were shot and killed in the Bogside area of Derry during the anti-internment civil rights march.
  • 14th person died later from wounds sustained on that day.
  • Soldier F entered 'not guilty' pleas to the seven charges against him at an arraignment hearing at the Belfast Crown Court in December.

Sources:

  • Laganside Crown Court proceedings
  • Prosecution barrister Louis Maybly, KC