Bloody Sunday: Verdict due in trial of Soldier F charged with murders

Bloody Sunday: Verdict due in trial of Soldier F charged with murders

The trial for a former British soldier accused in the deaths of two individuals during Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972 is expected to deliver a verdict on Thursday. The ex-Parachute Regiment member faces two murder charges and five counts of attempted murder, with his identity shielded by a court order as Soldier F. The controversial incident resulted in the deaths of thirteen people at a civil rights protest in Derry’s Bogside region.

In anticipation of the court hearing’s outcome, a large gathering of relatives and friends of those affected by Bloody Sunday embarked on a bus journey from the Bogside to Belfast. Caroline O’Donnell, whose father Patsy sustained a gunshot wound during the events, expressed her gratitude that her father survived, despite the lasting emotional toll. Soldier F was also accused of attempting to kill her father, who provided evidence to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry prior to his passing.

Echoing the sentiments of those impacted, Mickey McKinney mourned the loss of his brother William during Bloody Sunday, noting how the tragic event forever altered his family dynamics. The emotional toll experienced by the McKinney family underscored the need for justice and accountability in light of the lack of a thorough police investigation and a subsequent cover-up by the government. The profound impact of the incident continues to resonate with affected families, as they seek closure and recognition for the human cost.

The trial period, which spanned five weeks, shed light on the complexities surrounding the case, with Soldier F screened from public view throughout the proceedings. The decision to prosecute Soldier F stemmed from a police investigation following the public inquiry led by Lord Saville. Despite being one of 18 former soldiers referred to the Public Prosecution Service, Soldier F was the sole individual charged. Following a temporary halt in proceedings, the prosecution was reinstated in 2022 following legal challenges, underscoring the enduring quest for justice in the aftermath of Bloody Sunday

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