A former British soldier faces murder charges over the killing of two people on Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972.

Posted By: March 14, 2019


BBC NI. Belfast, Thursday, March 14, 2019


The Public Prosecution Service said there was enough evidence to prosecute Soldier F for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney.

The sole prosecution is seen as a “terrible disappointment” by some of the families of the 13 people killed.

They were shot dead at a civil rights march on 30 January 1972.

The day became known as Bloody Sunday – one of the darkest days of the Northern Ireland Troubles.

The shootings led to widespread anger in Derry and further afield.

“Heartbroken'” families

Soldier F also faces charges for the attempted murders of Patrick O’Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, and Michael Quinn.

The former paratrooper is being referred to only as Soldier F because all military witnesses were granted anonymity through the Saville Inquiry into the circumstances around the killings.

The PPS said there was insufficient evidence to prosecute 16 other soldiers and two Official IRA men.

James Wray’s brother Liam said he was “very saddened for the other families” of those killed on Bloody Sunday.

“Their hearts must be broken,” he said. “It has been a sad day but the Wray family are relieved.”

He added: “There are a lot of sad and heartbroken people today.”

William McKinney’s brother Michael said it was “disappointing” for families who had not received news of prosecutions.

Director of the PPS Stephen Herron said: “It has been a long road for the families… and today will be another extremely difficult day for many of them.

“We wanted to meet them personally to explain the decisions taken and to help them understand the reasons.”

Linda Nash, whose brother William was shot dead, said she feels “let down by a law and a justice system that’s supposed to protect people.”

“I’m feeling devastated. The most difficult thing I had to do today was to call my children and tell them that there are no prosecutions for their granda and uncle.”

Her sister Kate said they would appeal the decision.