Bloody Sunday prosecution set to resume

THE discontinued prosecution of a military veteran known as Soldier F for two murders on Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972 is to resume next week.

The former paratrooper faces two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.

Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service (PPS) halted the prosecution last year citing concerns the case could collapse if it went to trial.

But this year, the Divisional Court of the High Court in Belfast overruled that move after it was challenged by the family of one of the alleged victims.

And earlier this month, the court rejected the PPS’s bid to have its appeal referred to the UK Supreme Court.

The PPS has now reviewed its position and has decided to resume the case.

The service had originally announced it was halting the prosecution of Soldier F for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney. It came after concerns it could fall apart after a separate court ruling on the admissibility of evidence which collapsed another Troubles murder trial involving two military veterans.

On Bloody Sunday the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 civil rights protesters in Londonderry.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Michael Agnew said: “This case has presented difficult and complex legal issues for prosecutors, as was acknowledged by the Divisional Court.

“The PPS is committed to progressing court proceedings against Soldier F without any further delay.”

The prosecution is now listed for a review hearing at Londonderry Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Mickey McKinney, brother of William McKinney, said: “We are delighted the prosecution of Soldier F will resume next week.”