Britain16 October, 20252 min read
Judge Rejects Dismissal in Trial of Soldier F Accused of Murdering Two Civilians on Bloody Sunday
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Judge Patrick Lynch rejected the defence's no-case-to-answer application. Soldier F is charged with murdering James Wray and William McKinney on Bloody Sunday.
6 outlets told this the same way.
Bloody Sunday Murder Trial Update
A Northern Ireland judge has rejected a defense bid to dismiss the case against a former paratrooper known as Soldier F. This decision keeps alive the non-jury murder trial over two civilian deaths on Bloody Sunday. Judge Patrick Lynch refused a no-case-to-answer application and admitted statements from Soldiers G and H.
“Judge Patrick Lynch rejected the defense's no-case-to-answer application, allowing statements from two former paratroopers (Soldiers G and H) to be admitted as evidence.”
A verdict is expected imminently, described as "next Thursday" or specifically "October 23," depending on the outlet. The case centers on charges that Soldier F murdered James (Jim) Wray and William McKinney and attempted to murder five others. These events occurred during the 30 January 1972 civil rights march, when 13 people were shot dead by the Parachute Regiment in Derry/Londonderry.
Court Case on Soldier Statements
The court has relied heavily on historic statements from two paratroopers, Soldiers G and H. The judge allowed these statements despite one soldier being deceased and the other refusing to testify. Prosecutors argue that these statements directly implicate Soldier F and claim the shootings were unlawful, intentional murders.
The defense disputes the reliability of Soldiers G and H, describing them as inconsistent and, as reported, even "liars and fabricators." The defense also points to civilian accounts indicating that only one soldier fired.
The Advertizer and The Independent highlight the importance of these statements in the case. Belfast Live emphasizes the procedural ruling that permitted the admission of these statements.
Court Proceedings Overview
Soldier F has pleaded not guilty and is not testifying. He previously declined to answer police questions in 2016, citing a lack of memory. Reports note that he remained behind a curtain throughout the non-jury trial proceedings.
“He was interviewed in 2016 but declined to answer questions, citing no reliable memory of the events.”
The overall situation shows a defendant maintaining silence in court while the judge reviews historic statements and forensic evidence. The judge is expected to deliver a verdict next week.
Bloody Sunday Court Case
All outlets agree on the basic context: two murder charges and five attempted murders tied to Bloody Sunday, when 13 people were shot dead following a civil rights parade. The court is sitting without a jury and the case is drawing attention from bereaved families, supporters, and veterans’ groups. The prosecution contends the shootings were unjustified and intentional, while the defense calls the case flawed and the key witnesses unreliable.
Legal Trial Developments
The key legal development is the rejection of the dismissal and no-case motion. Historic paratrooper statements were admitted as evidence, despite one witness being deceased and another refusing to testify. The trial lasted just over a month, with judgment reserved and delivery expected soon.
“Judge Patrick Lynch rejected the defense’s no-case-to-answer motion, allowing the evidence from Soldiers G and H despite their absence from the trial (one deceased, one refusing to testify).”
While one source provides a precise date for the judgment, others use relative terms. All sources agree that Judge Patrick Lynch will deliver the decision shortly.