BELFAST – The long-awaited trial of a former British soldier known as Soldier F, accused of murdering two men during Bloody Sunday in 1972, has officially begun at Belfast Crown Court. Soldier F, a former paratrooper, is charged with the murders of William McKinney and James Wray, as well as five counts of attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case is being heard without a jury by Mr Justice Fowler, a practice permitted in exceptional cases.
This trial marks a historic moment, coming 53 years after the event that became a defining point of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. On January 30, 1972, members of the British Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights protesters in the Bogside area of Derry, killing 13 people on the day, with a fourteenth person dying later from their injuries. A similar number of people were injured.
The commencement of the trial is the culmination of a decades-long campaign by the families of the victims. A public inquiry, known as the Saville Inquiry, was established by the UK government and reported its findings in 2010. The inquiry concluded that none of those shot had posed a threat and that the killings were “unjustified and unjustifiable.” Following the report, then-Prime Minister David Cameron issued a formal apology for the conduct of the soldiers.
A subsequent police investigation led to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) of Northern Ireland announcing in 2019 that Soldier F would face charges. However, the case was later discontinued by the PPS on legal grounds, a decision that was successfully challenged by the victims’ families in court. This legal challenge led to the reinstatement of the prosecution, paving the way for the current trial.
Tony Doherty, whose father was among those killed, spoke on behalf of the Bloody Sunday Trust, stating that the families had waited 53 years for a measure of justice and that the trial was a tribute to their “indefatigable campaign.”
For his protection and due to security concerns, Soldier F has been granted anonymity by the court, with his identity kept from the public. During a previous court appearance, he was shielded by a large curtain, and similar arrangements are expected for the trial.
Family members of the Bloody Sunday victims, along with their supporters, walked to the court as the trial began, a powerful show of solidarity. Supporters of Soldier F are also expected to be in attendance.
The trial is anticipated to be a highly significant event, drawing close attention from victims’ families and veteran groups alike, and will be a key moment in addressing the legacy of The Troubles.
