Ex-paratroopers probed ... for shooting IRA chief 40 years ago

TWO former paratroopers are being prosecuted for murder over the death of an IRA commander in Northern Ireland more than 40 years ago.

The pair, aged 67 and 65, had twice been assured they would not be dragged before the courts for gunning down Joe McCann at the height of the Troubles.

Known as Soldier A and Soldier C, they are the surviving members of the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment patrol that opened fire on the terrorist in 197 . They are expected to stand trial this year for the Belfast killing – and face jail if convicted. If a statute of limitations was brought in by the Government, their cases would almost certainly be dropped.

No new evidence has been discovered since the two investigations cleared them of wrongdoing – meaning they would be covered by such an amnesty. McCann, 4, was one of the Official IRA’s most prominent activists. He was regarded by members of the security forces as a terrorist who would be armed and not hesitate to use his weapon to resist arrest.

On April 15, 197 two officers recognised him near Belfast city centre. Soldier A, Soldier C and a colleague on patrol nearby were ordered to help. As McCann fled, it is claimed the soldiers shouted at him to stop or they would shoot. When he failed to halt, the three Paras opened fire and he was killed.

A police investigation at the time told the soldiers they would face no action.