Ex-soldiers in anonymity bid over inquest into IRA man shot by Army in 1972

REVEALING the identity of a retired Army major during the inquest of an IRA man shot by soldiers would hamper his ability to holiday in Ireland, a coroner has heard.

The former company commander with the Royal Scots regiment is due to give evidence at next month’s inquest for Seamus Bradley, who was killed in disputed circumstances in Londonderry in 1972.

At a preliminary hearing in Belfast Coroners Court, a lawyer for the Ministry of Defence urged the coroner to grant anonymity to the major and an ex-Army medical officer — citing concerns for their safety in the context of the ongoing threat posed by dissident republicans.

They were the latest of a number of anonymity applications heard by coroner Judge Kinney.

MoD barrister Mark Robinson said the ex-company commander grew up in Northern Ireland, and during the Troubles his Armagh home was targeted in a fire bomb attack. He said he had been forced to sell an estate left to him by his parents due to fears for his safety.

“He is concerned as a result of giving evidence that he will be associated with the allegations in this case and can be easily traced,” said Mr Robinson.

The lawyer added: “He holidays in Northern Ireland and the South and the witness is concerned it could curtail his ability to move freely around the island.”

Mr Bradley (19) was killed by soldiers during Operation Motorman — an Army attempt to gain control of republican areas in Belfast and Derry which had previously been considered nogo zones for the security forces.

The Army claimed the teenager was shot while he was in a tree and suffered additional injuries as he fell.

His family have alleged he was killed later, claiming he was taken away in an Army Saracen vehicle and alleging he sustained fatal injuries while being subjected to interrogation.

Mr Robinson said the inquest

Killed: Seamus Bradley was set to examine allegations of “murder, torture and child abuse” and the major was concerned that revealing his identity would pose a “clear risk” to his safety.

A barrister representing the Bradley family argued against the MoD application.

David Heraghty QC said the major was a senior military officer in 1972 and had no direct involvement in the events on the ground in Derry that led to Mr Bradley’s death.

Mr Heraghty said the witness did not have a high profile, so there would be no publicity or prior knowledge around any future trips to the island.

Mr Robinson also pressed the case for the ex-medical officer’s name to be withheld.

“He fears participation in the inquest will bring him to the attention of dissident republicans and someone may wish to cause him or his family harm as a result,” he said.

Judge Kinney said he would give a decision before the scheduled inquest start date on February 5.

❝ He is concerned as a result of giving evidence that he will be associated with the allegations in this case and that he can be easily traced