A former paratrooper's trial for murders during Bloody Sunday faces a "complete cloud of uncertainty" around key evidence. Soldier F stands accused of killing James Wray and William McKinney in Londonderry more than 50 years ago.
The prosecution seeks to admit controversial hearsay statements from two fellow soldiers who were present during the 1972 shootings. These statements from Soldiers G and H claim their colleague fired shots at Glenfada Park North on January 30, when members of the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 civilians following a civil rights march.
Soldier F faces seven charges in total, including five attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon, Patrick O'Donnell and an unknown person. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Evidence disputes dominate proceedings
Prosecution barrister Louis Mably KC argued the statements were "decisive evidence" and the only evidence "capable of proving" Soldier F fired his rifle at civilians. The statements were given to the Royal Military Police on the night of the shootings and later to the Widgery Tribunal in 1972.
Defence barrister Mark Mulholland KC dismissed the evidence as a "series of unreliable, fundamentally flawed, inconsistent allegations" from five decades ago. He questioned whether Soldiers G and H had colluded and suggested they may have been "seeking to justify" their own use of force.
The defence also challenged the Widgery Tribunal evidence, noting witnesses were questioned rather than cross-examined in what was an inquisitorial process rather than adversarial proceedings.
Judge addresses social media concerns
Judge Patrick Lynch will deliver his ruling on the hearsay applications next Wednesday at Belfast Crown Court. The non-jury trial continues with Soldier F sitting behind a curtain while families of victims and supporters observe from the public gallery.
Judge Lynch raised concerns about a social media post by loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson on the third day of proceedings. He noted it was "fortunate for Mr Bryson that this is a case without a jury" as the post might have required discharging a jury in different circumstances.
The judge confirmed Bryson's views were of "total indifference as far as this court is concerned" and would not affect the trial. He declined to refer the matter to Northern Ireland's Attorney General Brenda King, stating: "Whether the Attorney General takes a different view is a matter for her."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
