“Soldier F” Bloody Sunday trial can include soldiers’ statements – Belfast judge

A Belfast judge has ruled that statements made by other soldiers at the time are admissible as evidence in the trial of ‘Soldier F’ – to the horror of justice campaigners the only soldier to stand trial over the state murder in Northern Ireland of fourteen people on ‘Bloody Sunday’, 1972, and the wounding of twelve others. Lawyers for the soldier, whose identity is protected by court order, had argued that the statements are ‘hearsay’ and not admissible.

After hearing lawyers’ arguments last week, Judge Patrick Lynch gave his ruling today. The evidence of other soldiers present at the slaughter, which has been described as ‘key’, includes that given to military police by two soldiers immediately after the murders, and to the Widgery Inquiry later in 1972. The soldiers’ statements include allegations that Soldier F fired his weapon in the courtyard where the two victims he is accused of killing were shot.

Parachute Regiment soldiers killed thirteen civilians in Londonderry after a civil rights march. Another victim died four months later of his wounds. F is accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney and of attempting to murder Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon, Patrick O’Donnell and a fifth, unnamed person. The soldier has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecution barrister Louis Mably KC argued that the witness statements given by soldiers G and H on the night of the shootings and to the inquiry in 1972 are, after more than fifty years, is “decisive evidence” “capable of proving” that F fired his rifle at civilians in the massacre.