Picture courtesy of BBC

 

A former member of the Parachute Regiment, known as Soldier F, has been found not guilty of murder and attempted murder related to the Bloody Sunday events in Londonderry over 50 years ago. On 30 January 1972, 13 people were killed and at least 15 injured during a civil rights demonstration in the Bogside area of Derry. Soldier F faced charges for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney, and five attempted murders.

 

The court judge stated that although members of the regiment had shot unarmed civilians fleeing during the event, the evidence was insufficient for a conviction against Soldier F. Judge Patrick Lynch commented that the soldiers in Glenfada Park North had lost military discipline, shaming others for their actions. The trial attracted families of victims and supporters of Soldier F, highlighting deep emotions from the events 50 years ago.

 

In emotional statements outside the court, Mickey McKinney expressed pride for the family, despite the verdict. Liam Wray, remembering his brother Jim, referred to the day as difficult and emotional, understanding the challenges faced by the judge. Ciarán Shiels, representing the families, labelled "Soldier F" as "the most protected serial killer in British legal history." A silent tribute was held by the Bloody Sunday relatives at the Derry memorial.

 

Northern Ireland's veterans' commissioner, David Johnstone, remarked on the lingering pain from the events, affecting many families. Paul Young of the Northern Ireland Veterans' Movement welcomed the verdict, suggesting relief for soldiers previously accused. The Director of Public Prosecutions admitted the case had complex legal aspects but maintained thoughts remained with the affected families.

 

Reactions to the acquittal were mixed. First Minister Michelle O'Neill expressed disappointment for the continuous denial of justice for the bereaved families. In contrast, DUP leader Gavin Robinson found the verdict sensible amid a stressful trial process. Unionist leaders criticised the prosecution, while Sir Declan Morgan defended the trial process, insisting it had merit.

 

The case of Soldier F, the only veteran prosecuted for the Bloody Sunday shootings, involved charges over incidents with teenagers Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and others. The trial, concluded by a judge without a jury in Belfast Crown Court, lasted five weeks. Soldier F's identity remains protected by court orders.

 

The government acknowledged the judgement, emphasising support for military personnel during Northern Ireland's turbulent history. This case followed extensive investigations after the public inquiry by Lord Saville, where Soldier F was the only soldier prosecuted out of 18 initially reported.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Soldier F was acquitted of charges related to Bloody Sunday due to insufficient evidence.
• Families and officials expressed mixed emotions and reactions to the verdict.
• The government supports military personnel and recognises Northern Ireland's challenging history.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-10-24

 

 

Why did this take so long?  

2 hours ago, Fact said:

Why did this take so long?  

Really.. 50 years to wait to hold a trial? I wonder if the man accused was kept in custody all that time. 

3 minutes ago, thesetat said:

Really.. 50 years to wait to hold a trial? I wonder if the man accused was kept in custody all that time. 

No he wasn’t.

I had a good friend who was shot in the face by the IRA in Northern Ireland.

 

I wasn't there or even in Northern Ireland when it happened but I did go to his funeral.

 

 

 

 

50 years after, these things tend to lead to losers only.
It was terrible, shouldn't have happened, but there comes a time to let things rest.

Different times. You compare it to now?!

Though that being said, we ignore genocide in Vietnam.

Today it is very normal. USA is very strong in it.

Syria, Israel, Belarus, Afghanistan etc etc all the same. Normal.

Next one coming up Venezuela.

A personal murder by an oil prince, was scratched from investigation and court, reason ..oil.

"My country" also. We did a bombing, 70 innocent civilian people killed and lots injured.

Now a courtcase. 

The one responsible, the now NATO boss. Promotion?! Im waiting on next error of him.

He doesnt care, keeps on f*** smiling.

Lets wait on the outcome of corona vaccinations, how many people are negatively effected.

Many people were "vaccinated" , oops mistake , you get sick, die.

And also your offspring could effected with same problems. 

And I think to myself, what a <deleted> up world, ooooh yeahhh .

 

 

 

41 minutes ago, xtrnuno41 said:

Different times. You compare it to now?!

Though that being said, we ignore genocide in Vietnam.

Today it is very normal. USA is very strong in it.

Syria, Israel, Belarus, Afghanistan etc etc all the same. Normal.

Next one coming up Venezuela.

A personal murder by an oil prince, was scratched from investigation and court, reason ..oil.

"My country" also. We did a bombing, 70 innocent civilian people killed and lots injured.

Now a courtcase. 

The one responsible, the now NATO boss. Promotion?! Im waiting on next error of him.

He doesnt care, keeps on f*** smiling.

Lets wait on the outcome of corona vaccinations, how many people are negatively effected.

Many people were "vaccinated" , oops mistake , you get sick, die.

And also your offspring could effected with same problems. 

And I think to myself, what a <deleted> up world, ooooh yeahhh .

 

 

 

Thanks for sharing.

All that effort and then they roll over for the cultural enrichers for fear of being called racist. 😆

 

"You'll never beat Da Oirish". 😀

On 10/24/2025 at 5:00 AM, webfact said:

The case of Soldier F, the only veteran prosecuted for the Bloody Sunday shootings,

That is something I did not know; it seems that he was one of the main offenders.

As has been said, why so long, and after the Saville inquiry in 1998, which I thought sorted it all out.