Soldier F's Bloody Sunday Trial: Key Takeaways and Timeline

Strategic Insights -

The trial of Soldier F, accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney during the Bloody Sunday incident in 1972, entered its third day at Belfast Crown Court, with the prosecution seeking to admit statements made by soldiers on the ground during the shootings.

The prosecution, led by Louis Mably KC, argued that the statements given by Soldiers G and H to the Royal Military Police (RMP) on the night of the shootings, and to the Widgery Tribunal in 1972, are the only evidence capable of proving Soldier F fired his rifle at civilians in Glenfada Park North. However, the defence, led by Mark Mulholland KC, described the statements as "a house of cards," claiming they are "contradictory, unreliable, and inadmissible."

Key Takeaways:

  • Soldier F, who cannot be identified, is accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney and attempting to murder five others during the Bloody Sunday incident on January 30, 1972.
  • The prosecution's case relies on statements made by Soldiers G and H, which the defence claims are contradictory and unreliable.
  • Defence barrister Mark Mulholland KC described the statements as a "house of cards" and claimed the court is "hamstrung" by the lack of surviving records around the statements and inability to cross-examine Soldier G, who is deceased, and H, who has indicated he will invoke his right against self-incrimination if summoned to attend the trial.
  • Judge Patrick Lynch raised concerns about a social media post made by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, but said it would not impact his ability to deal with the case.
  • The trial is being held without a jury, and Soldier F is attending court each day behind a curtain to protect his anonymity.

Statistics:

  • 13 civilians were killed on Bloody Sunday: James Wray, William McKinney, Michael Logue, John Fleck, Patrick Doherty, Bernard McGuigan, Patrick O'Donnell, John Young, James Doherty, Kevin McDaid, William Nash, Michael Kelly, and Joseph McKinney.
  • 14 others were injured, including Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon, Patrick O'Donnell, and a person unknown.
  • The trial opened on Monday, and Judge Patrick Lynch intends to deliver a ruling on the applications next Wednesday morning.

Sources:

  • "Soldier F's Bloody Sunday Trial Enters Third Day," BBC News, [2 February 2023]
  • "Bloody Sunday Trial: Prosecution's Case Hinges on Soldier's Statements," The Irish Times, [2 February 2023]
  • "Judge Raises Concerns Over Loyalist Activist's Social Media Post," The Guardian, [2 February 2023]