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A FORMER paratrooper known as Soldier F has been acquitted of two murders and five attempted murders that occurred on Bloody Sunday in Derry in 1972.
In his ruling at Belfast Crown Court, Judge Patrick Lynch stated that the evidence against the veteran was insufficient for a conviction.
The former British paratrooper known as ‘Soldier F’ faced trial for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney, as well as for attempting to murder five others.Credit: Getty
Families of the Bloody Sunday victims marched to court this morning.Credit: Pacemaker
Soldier F was accused of the murders of James Wray and William McKinney during Bloody Sunday, which is considered one of the darkest days of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
The veteran also faced charges for attempting to murder Michael Quinn, Patrick O’Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, and another unidentified individual.
Thirteen individuals lost their lives when members of the Parachute Regiment opened fire on a civil rights demonstration in the city.
The non-jury trial lasted four weeks and included testimonies from two of Soldier F’s fellow soldiers.
Soldier F attended Belfast Crown Court every day of the trial, with his identity concealed behind a curtain in the courtroom.
Family members of the deceased and supporters were present each day of the trial.
In the crowded public gallery of court 12, the relatives of the Bloody Sunday victims showed no visible or audible reaction when Soldier F was found not guilty on all charges.
There was likewise no response from those in the gallery who supported the former paratrooper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the verdict for Soldier F?
Soldier F was found not guilty of two murders and five attempted murders related to the events of Bloody Sunday.
What were the charges against Soldier F?
He was charged with the murders of James Wray and William McKinney, as well as attempting to murder five other individuals.
What was Bloody Sunday?
Bloody Sunday refers to the tragic event on January 30, 1972, when thirteen people were killed by the Parachute Regiment during a civil rights demonstration in Derry, Northern Ireland.
