In a landmark ruling, Soldier F, a former member of the Parachute Regiment, has been acquitted of all charges related to the Bloody Sunday incident in Londonderry in 1972. The prosecution had accused him of murdering James Wray, 22, and William McKinney, 26, and attempting to murder five other individuals. The court, however, determined that the evidence presented was insufficient to secure a conviction.
Bloody Sunday, which occurred on January 30, 1972, saw 13 people shot dead and at least 15 others injured during a civil rights demonstration in the Bogside area of Derry. The judge presiding over the case acknowledged that members of the Parachute Regiment had indeed fired upon unarmed civilians fleeing from them. He described the actions as a failure of military discipline, stating that those responsible should “hang their heads in shame.” However, he also emphasised that the evidence specifically against Soldier F fell short of the standard required for a guilty verdict.
The verdict has elicited strong reactions from various quarters. William McKinney’s brother, Mickey, expressed pride in the families’ achievements despite the outcome, stating that it marked the “end of prosecution of Soldier F for murder and attempted murder of the innocents on Bloody Sunday.” Liam Wray, whose brother was killed on that day, described the verdict as a difficult but emotional one, acknowledging the judge’s criticism of the soldiers’ actions while expressing disappointment that justice had not been fully served.
Northern Ireland’s veterans’ commissioner, David Johnstone, highlighted the enduring pain caused by the Troubles and urged remembrance for all affected families. Political leaders also weighed in, with some expressing disappointment at the denial of justice for the families, while others welcomed the verdict as a “common sense judgement” and called for a more effective approach to dealing with the legacy of the past.
Soldier F was the sole military veteran to face prosecution stemming from the Bloody Sunday shootings. The decision to charge him followed a lengthy police investigation and public inquiry. Despite initial attempts to drop the case, legal challenges led to its resumption. The trial, which lasted five weeks, was heard by a judge alone, with Soldier F’s identity protected by a court order.
The government acknowledged the verdict, stating its commitment to supporting veterans and finding a way forward that respects the past. The Ministry of Defence confirmed it had provided legal and welfare support throughout the proceedings.