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6hillgrove · 4 years

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Week Ahead In The News

Richard Hillgrove Founder of 6 Hillgrove PR takes a look at the week ahead.

News diary 23-29 March:

With the cancellation of nearly all public events in dozens of countries, coronavirus continues to monopolise the news agenda. A virtual meeting of G20 leaders to agree a coordinated roadmap on policies to “protect people and safeguard the global economy” is due sometime this week.

New emergency legislation to help the government tackle the crisis is to be fast-tracked through the House of Commons on Monday. MPs are expected to nod through the Coronavirus Bill, which would give police and health officials powers to detain or enforce isolation on those suspected of having the virus. The Bill proceeds to the House of Lords on Tuesday and is expected to become law from next week.

Meanwhile, the measures that have already been introduced become more noticeable: it’s the start of a 12-week “shielding period” for those most at risk of contracting COVID-19, meaning more people should be in some form of self-isolation, and schools are closed across the country, with exceptions for classes for vulnerable children and the children of key workers.

Transport networks will also be slowing down as many (but not all) social-distancing commuters stay home. Following the closure of the Waterloo & City line on Friday, tubes and buses in London will move to a less frequent service while train operators across the UK have reached an agreement to run amended timetables.

A two-week quarantine period ends for passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship that docked in Oakland on 9 March. Over 3,500 people from 54 countries were on board the vessel when passengers started testing positive for coronavirus.

Conditions in the federal quarantine facilities in the US have been criticised for their uncleanliness and lack of social distancing, and many passengers remain untested.

Several members of the Cabinet are lined up to appear before select committees this week, with George Eustice at Defra and Stephen Barclay at Treasury on Tuesday the pick of the bunch.

The Environment Secretary is likely to face questions on UK supply chains and the possibility of food shortages caused by panic-buying, while the Chief Secretary to the Treasury faces the thankless-looking task of fielding questions on the economic impact of the virus.

With thousands of schoolchildren suddenly at home and in need of entertainment, the launch of Disney’s new streaming service comes at an advantageous time for the studio. Disney+ features classics from its golden era alongside Pixar titles, the Marvel and Star Wars franchises (pictured), and, perhaps crucially for parents of a certain age, The Simpsons.

Disney’s entry into the competitive on-demand market could be an important marker as the BBC faces questions over its funding and the continuing viability of the licence fee.

Members of the Petitions Committee question Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Jenny Harries, Schools Minister Nick Gibb and Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson on Wednesday regarding the Government’s response to the pandemic.

The hearing was prompted by a spate of parliamentary petitions which accumulated more than 1.8m signatures. The Government has come under fire for taking less drastic measures than other European countries to combat the outbreak, and for mixed-messaging on its initial “herd immunity” approach.

The third Bank of England monetary policy committee meeting of this month comes after a flurry of recent action by governments and central banks to counter the effects of COVID-19 on economies around the world.

Last week the FTSE dropped to a near-decade low as sterling fell sharply against the dollar, and the MPC responded by reducing the interest rate to 0.1 per cent and increasing UK government bond holdings. With Governor Andrew Bailey refusing to rule out even more radical monetary action, there could yet be further surprises in store.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will join a virtual meeting of G7 counterparts where, again, coordinating responses to the pandemic will dominate. The call follows news that the G7 summit later in the year, which was to have been hosted by President Trump at Camp David, will now also take place in a virtual format, along with further leaders’ calls in April and May.

Two of the highest profile criminal cases in Northern Ireland’s recent history return to Londonderry Magistrates Court on Thursday. Paul McIntyre, an alleged member of the IRA, appears accused of the murder (by way of joint enterprise) of journalist Lyra McKee in April 2019.

Meanwhile a former armed forces member known only as Soldier F appears over the Bloody Sunday murders of James Wray and William McKinney. The hearing is expected to see a ruling on whether to move the case from Londonderry to Belfast, a proposal which has provoked a stern response from the victims’ families.

EU leaders hold their third videoconference in ten days in lieu of a formal European Council that had been scheduled for today. The leaders agreed to a month-long closure of the bloc’s external borders on their 17 March call, and are due to focus on the four priority areas identified in their early discussions: limiting the coronavirus spread, providing medical equipment, promoting vaccine research and mitigating socio-economic consequences.

The European Parliament, meanwhile, holds an extraordinary plenary session vote on Commission proposals, including a new law to stop the “ghost flights” caused by the pandemic.

The Spanish government has ordered the closure of the country’s hotels and tourist accommodations by Thursday to help stem the spread of the virus. The world’s second most-visited tourist destination is also the second-worst hit country in Europe, and the closures are just the latest measures brought in as the death toll continues to climb. On Friday the UK Government delivers its weekly round-up of COVID-19 cases in the UK, reporting locations and confirmed numbers. The update comes a week after a string of “delay” measures were implemented, including the decisions to close schools and advise people to self-isolate and stay away from public places such as restaurants, cinemas and bars.

Despite the global sporting calendar continuing to be decimated by the coronavirus pandemic, the UAE hosts the Dubai World Cup on Saturday (albeit behind closed doors).

The horse racing meet includes some of the biggest prizes in the sport – the World Cup boasts a $6m purse, with the Dubai Duty Free and Dubai Sheema Classic turf races each offering $5m. Last year’s event was won by Thunder Snow, who became the first horse to claim the Cup title twice.

On Sunday, restrictive measures designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus are set to expire around the world, though with infection rates continuing to rise, extensions seem almost certain.

In Ireland, pubs and bars are scheduled to reopen, and the ban on overseas travel ends. International flights are also due to begin landing again in Poland, while Spain’s state of emergency declaration that closed all non-essential public facilities and banned all unnecessary travel is also set to expire.

In Mali, parliamentary elections are due to go ahead, despite a recent warning by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to leaders in Africa that they need to wake up to the threat posed by the virus.

The news diary is provided in association with Foresight News.

#6hillgrove RichardHillgrove PR PublicRelations BreakingNews News

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thefivedemands · 5 years

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Le famiglie di 13 vittime ,uccise a Derry nel massacro della Bloody Sunday, hanno parlato della loro devastazione e della profonda delusione per il fatto che il Public Prosecution Service abbia deciso di perseguire le accuse contro un solo membro del Reggimento Paracadutisti del British Army

In totale, l’indagine della PSNI sulla Bloody Sunday ha investigato 17 soldati – uno dei quali è morto – e due sospettati membri dell’IRA, ma il Public Prosecution Service ha detto alle famiglie riunite a Derry che non c’erano motivi per perseguire l’accusa se non per un unico caso – quello del Soldato identificata come “F”. Dovrà affrontare le accuse per due omicidi e quattro tentati omicidi.

L’arrivo dei familiari delle vittime della Bloody Sunday alla Guildhall

Il PPS ha detto: “È stato concluso che ci sono sufficienti prove disponibili per perseguire un ex soldato, Soldier F, per l’omicidio di James Wray e William McKinney e per il tentato omicidio di Joesph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon e Patrick O ‘Donnell”. Per quanto riguarda gli altri 18 sospetti, tra cui 16 ex soldati e due presunti membri dell’IRA, è stato concluso che le prove disponibili non sono sufficienti a fornire una prospettiva ragionevole di condanna. “In queste circostanze il test probatorio per l’accusa non è stato sufficiente”. “Le decisioni annunciate oggi riguardano solo le accuse di condotta criminale nella Bloody Sunday”. “Verranno ora prese in considerazione le accuse di spergiuro nei confronti di quei sospetti denunciati dalla polizia”.

Le parole di John Kelly

John Kelly, il cui fratello Michael è stato anche ucciso dal soldato F, ha detto che la giustizia per le famiglie di James Wray e William McKinney sarà condivisa anche dalla sua e da tutte le altre famiglie che non hanno sentito la notizia per cui si sono battuti. Ha detto: “Il direttore del PPS è salito sul podio, è passato attravero ogni settore, ha nominato ogni singolo soldato e poi ha detto: “nessun procedimento, nessun procedimento, nessun procedimento fino a quando non è arrivato al quarto settore, nel quale ha detto Soldato F, quello coivolto nell’uccisione di mio fratello Micheal”. “Ha dichiarato che il soldato F sarebbe stato processato per l’omicidio di William McKinney e Jim Wray e il ferimento di altri quattro, ma non di Michael”. “Ho guardato i miei familiari intorno e tutto ciò che potevo vedere erano le lacrime, la devastazione”. “Avevamo sentito voci e speculazioni sul fatto che ce ne sarebbero stati quattro e siamo rimasti delusi, sono totalmente devastato”. “(Il soldato F) Sarà processato per altri due omicidi e la loro vittoria è la nostra vittoria e me ne farò una ragione.”

La conferenza stampa tenuta dai familiari delle vittime dopo l’annuncio del Public Prosecution Service

Michael McKinney, fratello di William per la cui morte sarà accusato il soldato F, ha detto di aver provato un mix di emozioni contrastanti all’annuncio del direttore del PPS. “Mi sento molto deluso, condivido la delusione di tutte queste famiglie con cui siamo stati coinvolti nella campagna e condividono il sollievo della nostra famiglia”. “Se ci fosse stata una decisione più giusta, questa avrebbe potuto essere la fine della campagna, ma questo è stato uno schiaffo in faccia, è molto, molto deludente”.

Le reazioni di Kate e Linda Nash, sorelle di William Nash, ucciso nella Bloody Sunday a soli 19 anni

Tratto da Belfast Telegraph

Immagini tratte dal Belfast Telegraph

Alternative-Crop John Kelly comforts Alana Burke at the Guildhall in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, after the announcement from the Public Prosecution Service that one former paratrooper, soldier F is to be charged with two murders and four attempted murders during Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972.

RETRANSMISSION, correcting names to Geraldine Doherty and Gerald Donaghey. Geraldine Doherty (centre) whose uncle Gerald Donaghey died on Bloody Sunday hugs Andrew McCartney, watched by Sinn Fein politician Michelle O’Neill, as families of those who died march through the Bogside in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, towards the Guildhall ahead of the announcement as to whether 17 former British soldiers and two former members of the Official IRA will be prosecuted in connection with the events of Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972.

People hold a minute silent during the press conference at the Guildhall in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, after the announcement from the Public Prosecution Service that one former paratrooper, soldier F is to be charged with two murders and four attempted murders during Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972.

Pacemaker Press 14/03/2019 Families of those killed in Bloody Sunday speak to the media at the Guild Hall. A former British soldier faces murder charges over the killing of two people on Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972. The Public Prosecution Service said there was enough evidence to prosecute Soldier F for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney. He also faces charges for the attempted murders of Patrick O’Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon and Michael Quinn. Thirteen people were shot dead at a civil rights march on 30 January 1972. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Relatives of those who died on Bloody Sunday leaving a briefing with DPP Stephen Herron at the City Hotel Londonderry, Northern Ireland, after the announcement from the Public Prosecution Service that one former paratrooper, soldier F is to be charged with two murders and four attempted murders during Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972.

John Kelly whose brother Michael was killed on Bloody Sunday at the Guildhall in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, after the announcement from the Public Prosecution Service that one former paratrooper, soldier F is to be charged with two murders and four attempted murders during Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972.

Families of those died march through the Bogside in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, towards the Guildhall ahead of the announcement as to whether 17 former British soldiers and two former members of the Official IRA will be prosecuted in connection with the events of Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

John McKinney holds a picture of his brother, William, as the families of those who died march through the Bogside in Londonderry, in Northern Ireland, ahead of an announcement over the prosecution of 17 former British soldiers and two former members of the Official IRA in connection with the events of Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Retransmission, amending byline. Politicians Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill (left), Elisha McCallion, MP for Foyle, (centre) and SDLP’s Colum Eastwood (right) join families before a march through the Bogside in Londonderry, in Northern Ireland, ahead of an announcement over the prosecution of 17 former British soldiers and two former members of the Official IRA in connection with the events of Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Families of those who died march through the Bogside in Londonderry, in Northern Ireland, ahead of an announcement over the prosecution of 17 former British soldiers and two former members of the Official IRA in connection with the events of Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Families, relatives and supporters of those who died march through Londonderry, in Northern Ireland, ahead of an announcement over the prosecution of 17 former British soldiers and two former members of the Official IRA in connection with the events of Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Families, relatives and supporters of those died gather outside the Guildhall in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, after the announcement from the Public Prosecution Service that one former paratrooper, soldier F is to be charged with two murders and four attempted murders during Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Supporters hold a posters of Edward Heath former British Prime Minister and General Sir Michael David Jackson outside the city hotel Londonderry, Northern Ireland ahead of the announcement as to whether 17 former British soldiers and two former members of the Official IRA will be prosecuted in connection with the events of Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Linda Nash whose youngest brother William Nash died on Bloody Sunday with Eamonn McCann outside the city hotel Londonderry, Northern Ireland ahead of the announcement as to whether 17 former British soldiers and two former members of the Official IRA will be prosecuted in connection with the events of Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

L-R Gerry Duddy, Mickey McKinney, John Kelly and the families of those who were killed hold a press conference inside the Guildhall in Londonderry after the Public Prosecution Service announced that one solider will face prosecution for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell on Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

John Kelly comforts Alana Burke who was injured on Bloody Sunday reacts during the press conference at the Guildhall in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, after the announcement from the Public Prosecution Service that one former paratrooper, soldier F is to be charged with two murders and four attempted murders during Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

L-R Linda Nash, holds an image of their brother William Nash who was killed on Bloody Sunday, and Kate Nash holds an image of their father Alex Nash who was wounded on the day inside the Guildhall in Londonderry after the Public Prosecution Service announced that one solider will face prosecution for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell on Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

A woman listens on during a press conference inside the Guildhall in Londonderry after the Public Prosecution Service announced that one solider will face prosecution for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell on Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Relatives of those who died march to the Guildhall in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, after the announcement from the Public Prosecution Service that one former paratrooper, soldier F is to be charged with two murders and four attempted murders during Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Two woman watch on as families of those who were killed hold a press conference inside the Guildhall in Londonderry after the Public Prosecution Service announced that one solider will face prosecution for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell on Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972.PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Families of those who were killed hold a press conference inside the Guildhall in Londonderry after the Public Prosecution Service announced that one solider will face prosecution for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell on Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood (left) and new Fine Gael MEP candidate Mark Durkan attending a press conference inside the Guildhall in Londonderry after the Public Prosecution Service announced that one solider will face prosecution for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell on Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Pacemaker Press 14/03/2019 John Teggart from the Ballymurphy Families speaks with Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill and SDLP’s Colum Eastwood at the City Hotel in Derry. A former British soldier faces murder charges over the killing of two people on Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972. The Public Prosecution Service said there was enough evidence to prosecute Soldier F for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney. He also faces charges for the attempted murders of Patrick O’Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon and Michael Quinn. Thirteen people were shot dead at a civil rights march on 30 January 1972. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

L-R Jean Hegarty sister of Kevin McElhinney, Liam Wray brother of James Wray, and Paddy Nash brother of William Nash with the families of those who were killed hold a press conference inside the Guildhall in Londonderry after the Public Prosecution Service announced that one solider will face prosecution for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell on Bloody Sunday in the city in January 1972. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday March 14, 2019. See PA story ULSTER Sunday. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

BLOODY SUNDAY. I FAMILIARI DELLE VITTIME: “L’INCRIMINAZIONE DI UN SOLDATO E’ UNO SCHIAFFO IN FACCIA” Le famiglie di 13 vittime ,uccise a Derry nel massacro della Bloody Sunday, hanno parlato della loro devastazione e della profonda delusione per il fatto che il Public Prosecution Service abbia deciso di perseguire le accuse contro un solo membro del Reggimento Paracadutisti del British Army… 539 more words

#belfast telegraph #bloody sunday #bogside #derry #Guildhall #irlanda del nord #John Kelly #Kate Nash #Linda Nash #nord irlanda #north of ireland #northern ireland #Public Prosecution Service

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seachranaidhe · 2 years

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The trial of a British soldier in connection with Bloody Sunday in 1972 was delayed after an administrative error saw lawyers directed to the wrong court.

https://www.irishlegal.com/articles/soldier-f-trial-delayed-by-administrative-error

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#30th January 1972 #attempted murder of five men #Joe Mahon #Joseph Friel #Michael Quinn #murder of James Wray and William McKinney #Patrick O&039;Donnell and one unknown man #Soldier F

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garadinervi · 1 year

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Bloody Sunday, January 30, 1972

Patrick Doherty, age 32 / Gerard V. Donaghy, age 17 / John F. Duddy, age 17 / Hugh P. Gilmour, age 17 / Michael G. Kelly, age 17 / Michael M. McDaid, age 20 / Kevin G. McElhinney, age 17 / Bernard McGuigan, age 41 / Gerard McKinney, age 35 / William A. McKinney, age 27 / William N. Nash, age 19 / James J. Wray, age 22 / John P. Young, age 17 / John Johnston, age 59 — «who were murdered by British Paratroopers on Bloody Sunday 30th January 1972»

(image: Protesters carried pictures in January 1973 of civilians who were killed a year earlier in the 'Bloody Sunday' massacre. Photo: NYT/Getty Images)

#photography #bloody sunday #patrick doherty #gerard donaghy #john duddy #hugh gilmour #michael kelly #michael mcdaid #kevin mcelhinney #bernard mcguigan #gerard mckinney #william mckinney #william nash #james wray #john young #john johnston #museum of free derry #1970s #2020s

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abetheone · 5 years

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Soldier F Bloody Sunday murder case due in court

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Image copyright Handout/Wray family

Image caption Soldier F is to be charged with the murder of William McKinney and James Wray

The case of the Army veteran facing a murder trial over Bloody Sunday is due in court for the first time on Wednesday.

Soldier F, now in his 60s, is…

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gyrlversion · 5 years

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Ex-soldier is to be charged with murder of teenager during Troubles

Army veteran known as ‘Soldier B’ is to be charged with the murder of a 15-year-old boy who was shot twice in the head during the Troubles almost 50 years ago

Daniel Hegarty died after he was shot near his Londonderry home in July 1972

Veteran will be charged with his murder, Public Prosecution Service said today

Daniel’s cousin, then 17, was also shot and injured during the incident in Creggan

Former soldier will also be charged with wounding with intent over his injury

By Sebastian Murphy-bates For Mailonline

Published: 09:44 EDT, 15 April 2019 | Updated: 11:35 EDT, 15 April 2019

An Army veteran will be charged with murdering a 15-year-old who was shot twice in the head during Northern Ireland‘s Troubles.

Daniel Hegarty died near his Londonderry home in July 1972 and a man being referred to as Soldier B will be charged in connection with his death, Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service (PPS) announced today.

The teenager was shot in Creggan area on July 31, during Operation Motorman, which was aimed at removing ‘no go zones’ for Catholics and Protestants during the Troubles.

Solder B will also be charged with wounding with intent after Daniel’s cousin, Christopher Hegarty, who was also shot and injured in the incident aged 17.

Last year the Hegarty family won the right to seek the prosecution of the soldier after the High Court quashed a PPS decision not to bring criminal charges against him.

Today’s announcement comes amid public outcry at a former paratrooper known as Soldier F facing murder charges over the Bloody Sunday massacre in Bogside six months before.

Daniel Hegarty (pictured) was killed in Londonderry where he was shot twice in the head aged just 15 years old

Pictured: An armoured vehicle patrols Londonderry during Operation Motorman in Northern Ireland’s Troubles

Pictured: British troops move through the streets of Londonderry in Northern Ireland in August 1972

Director of the PPS Stephen Herron met with members of the Hegarty family to inform them of the decision at a private meeting in Londonderry on Monday.

Mr Herron said: ‘Following the ruling of the Divisional Court last year I conducted a review of this case. I have given careful consideration to all of the available evidence.

‘This has included material obtained in the course of the initial investigation, by a later investigation carried out by the Historical Enquiries Team, material generated by inquest proceedings and a number of expert forensic reports, the most recent of which was provided after the court ruling in 2018.

‘I have concluded that the evidence which can be presented at court is sufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction and that the evidential test for prosecution is met.

Soldier F is accused of murdering Patrick McKinney (left) and James Wray (right) on Bloody Sunday and today it was announced that Soldier B will also be charged

Pictured: Stephen Herron, Northern Ireland´s director of public prosecutions, as the PPS announces that Soldier B will be charged

‘As with all cases, I have also carefully considered whether the public interest requires prosecution through the courts.

Veteran hands service medal back in protest at Soldier F’s treatment

The CPS announced last month that the man, whose identity is being protected, is to face prosecution for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney on Bloody Sunday.

The massacre in January 1972 occurred when soldiers from 1 Para opened fire on protesters, claiming the lives of 14 Irish nationals and wounding at least 14 more.

But the move has outraged veterans, with Martin Ledbury – who joined the Royal Artillery aged 16 – handing back his service medal in protest of the treatment of Soldier F.

The father-of-one, now 59, described Soldier F as ‘part of the brotherhood’ of veterans and is now planning to give back his service medal in a mark of solidarity.

‘Particular consideration was given to Soldier B’s ill health, regarding which an updated medical report was obtained.

‘In line with our Code for Prosecutors, I have concluded, given the seriousness of the charges, that the public interest test for prosecution is also met.

‘I have therefore taken the decision to prosecute an individual identified as soldier B for the offence of murder in relation to the death of Daniel Hegarty and for the wounding of Christopher Hegarty.

‘This decision has been reached following an objective and impartial application of the test for prosecution which was conducted in accordance with the Code for Prosecutors and with the benefit of advice from senior counsel.’

The charges face by Soldier F have sparked outrage among veterans and supporters.

Soldier F is the only paratrooper to be facing charges in relation to the Bloody Sunday massacre and thousands of bikers descended on central London on Friday to protest his treatment.

An estimated 7,000 bikers, riding all manner of motorcycles, brought traffic in central London to a standstill

Organisers of the event, dubbed ‘Rolling Thunder’, say they are protesting the British Government’s actions in charging the former squaddie

The extent of the protest was seen made clear from the air, with hundreds of bikers seen snaking around Parliament Square

British veteran ‘Soldier F’ to be charged with murder over Bloody Sunday massacre in Londonderry

By Richard Spillett

It was announced last month that a former serviceman, named only as ‘Soldier F’, will stand trial for the murders of two men during the Bloody Sunday shooting in 1972 and the attempted murders of four others.

Soldier F is one of 17 former members of the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment who were investigated over the violence which left 13 people dead in Londonderry in 1972.

The sixteen other British military veterans who were investigated over Bloody Sunday will not face action, it was announced this morning.

A photo from January 30 1972 shows demonstrators facing off with British soldiers minutes before paratroopers opened fire, killing 13 civilians on what became known as Bloody Sunday

Soldier F is now thought to be in his 70s and faces trial for the alleged murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the alleged attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell.

In the wake of the landmark decision to prosecute the soldier, MPs accused the government of failing to do enough to protect those who fought in the Army.

At the same time as Soldier F’s prosecution was announced, authorities revealed that two alleged Official IRA members would face no criminal action.

The British government said it will support Soldier F and cover all of his legal costs, with Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson praising the ‘courage and distinction’ of those who fought in Northern Ireland.

But the minister was criticised by fellow Tory MP and ex-Army Officer Johnny Mercer for failing to do enough to protect soldiers from prosecution.

Families of those killed wept after the prosecutor’s decision was announced on March 14.

They welcomed the charges brought against Soldier F but said they felt more of the group should face court.

Soldier F was not named by prosecutors but may be named when he’s brought before court in the coming weeks, but could apply for his anonymity to be extended.

Soldiers involved in the shooting were given anonymity in the 2010 public inquiry, although the report refers to him being called ‘Dave’ by fellow Paras.

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global-news-station · 5 years

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LONDONDERRY: One former British soldier will be prosecuted for two murders in the “Bloody Sunday” killings of 13 unarmed Catholic civil rights marchers in Londonderry by British paratroopers in 1972 – one of the most notorious incidents of the Northern Ireland conflict.

The evidence was insufficient to charge 16 other former soldiers, Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service said on Thursday.

Soldiers from the elite Parachute Regiment opened fire on Sunday, Jan. 30, 1972, during an unauthorised march in the Bogside, a nationalist area of Londonderry. They killed 13 people and wounded 14 others, one of whom died later.

A judicial inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday, which took place at the height of Northern Ireland’s 30-year sectarian conflict, said in 2010 the victims were innocent and had posed no threat to the military.

It was the worst single shooting incident of “The Troubles”, although several bomb attacks by rival militant groups claimed higher death tolls, and Thursday’s decision reignites the controversy.

The prosecutor announced on Thursday that there was sufficient evidence to prosecute “Soldier F” for the murder of James Wray and William McKinney and for the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell.

But “in respect of the other 18 suspects, including 16 former soldiers and two alleged Official IRA members, it has been concluded that the available evidence is insufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction,” a prosecutor’s statement said.

Victim’s families said they were disappointed by the decision. Their lawyers said they would challenge in the High Court any prosecutorial decision that did not withstand scrutiny.

“We would like to remind everyone that no prosecution or if it comes to it no conviction does not mean not guilty, it does not mean that no crime was committed, it does not mean that those soldiers acted in a dignified and appropriate way,” Mickey McKinney, brother to one of the victims, told a news conference.

Before a prosecutor’s service briefing at a Londonderry hotel, the families marched from the Bogside and sang civil rights anthem “We Shall Overcome”.

Linda Nash, the brother of William Nash, a 19-year-old killed on the day, was tearful when she emerged from the hotel. Veteran civil rights campaigner Eamonn McCann’s hands shook as he comforted her.

“MASSACRE OF INNOCENTS”

Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland, Stephen Herron said he was conscious relatives faced an “extremely difficult day.”

“However, much of the material which was available for consideration by the Inquiry is not admissible in criminal proceedings, due to strict rules of evidence that apply,” he said.

The British government said it would provide full legal support to the soldier who will face prosecution. No other details were released by prosecutors of the identity of the man, who would be at least in his 60s.

“The welfare of our former service personnel is of the utmost importance,” Defence Minister Gavin Williamson said in a statement. “Our serving and former personnel cannot live in constant fear of prosecution.”

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said it was important that no one said anything to prejudice the process following Thursday’s decision, adding that his thoughts were with all of the families.

The Saville Report, which was published in 2010 after a 12-year inquiry by High Court Judge Lord Saville, reversed the findings of a hastily-convened inquiry from 1972 by another judge, Lord Widgery, who concluded the soldiers only fired after being fired upon.

The Bloody Sunday killings caused widespread anger at the time – not least in the United States, where support for the Irish Republican cause runs high – and nearly 50 years later the incident remains highly emotive.

Supporters of the paratroopers say they were acting under extremely confused and stressful conditions, and it is unfair to pursue them so long after the event when many suspected Irish Republican Army (IRA) bombers and gunmen have been told they will no longer face arrest under the 1998 peace accords.

Victims’ families and other voices say they must nonetheless be held to account for their actions.

The Saville Report said the paratroopers opened fire without warning and that none of the casualties has posed a threat.

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement brought a close to a conflict in which about 3,500 people were killed. British troops subsequently withdrew from the province, but tensions still persist and a car bomb exploded outside Londonderry’s main courthouse in January. No one was injured.

The decision to prosecute came a week after Britain’s minister for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley, was forced to apologise for saying that killings by British soldiers and police were “not crimes”.

Sinn Fein, the former political wing of the IRA who are now the largest nationalist party in the province, said they shared the families’ disappointment and “sense of incredulity” at the decision.

“The decision to prosecute just one ex-soldier does not change the fact that Bloody Sunday was a massacre of innocents,” Sinn Fein’s Northern Ireland leader Michelle O’Neill said in a statement.

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garadinervi · 2 years

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Bloody Sunday, January 30, 1972 / 2022 — 50

(image: The marchers reach the top of Westland Street in the Bogside, January 30, 1972. Photo: Robert White. Museum of Free Derry, Derry)

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seachranaidhe · 4 years

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Bloody Sunday: Court rejects MoD's appeal against compensation

Bloody Sunday: Court rejects MoD’s appeal against compensation

The Bloody Sunday murders happened during a civil rights marches on the streets of Co Derry Image copyrightPA MEDIA

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) appeal against a decision to award the family of a man killed on Bloody Sunday an extra payment of £15,000 has been dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

Senior judges rejected claims that Bernard McGuigan’s relatives were not entitled to the aggravated…

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gyrlversion · 5 years

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Bikers bring Westminster to a standstill to support Soldier F

Hundreds of bikers gathered from all across the country to ride on Westminster, to show support for the Bloody Sunday Massacre murder accused.

An estimated 7,000 bikers, riding all manner of motorcycles, brought traffic in central London to a standstill as they rode across Westminster Bridge in a show of solidarity with ‘Soldier F.’

‘Soldier F’ is the code name for the one soldier who is facing prosecution for the 1972 massacre.

Hundreds of bikers gathered from all across the country to ride on Westminster, to show support for the Bloody Sunday Massacre murder accused

An estimated 7,000 bikers, riding all manner of motorcycles, brought traffic in central London to a standstill

They rode across Westminster Bridge in a show of solidarity with ‘Soldier F’, the code name for the one soldier who is facing prosecution for the 1972 massacre

Organisers of the event, dubbed ‘Rolling Thunder’, say they are protesting the British Government’s actions in charging the former squaddie

The extent of the protest was seen made clear from the air, with hundreds of bikers seen snaking around Parliament Square

Motorcyclists rode a vast array of different bikes, including trikes and scooters, through central London

The CPS announced last month that the man, whose identity is being protected, is to face prosecution for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney

These tourists on a tour bus got more than they paid for as the bikers rode past them through Westminster

Organisers of the event, dubbed ‘Rolling Thunder’, say they are protesting the British Government’s actions in charging the former squaddie.

The CPS announced last month that the man, whose identity is being protected, is to face prosecution for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney.

He is the only one set to stand trial for the massacre, that took place in Derry at the height of the Troubles.

British soldiers from 1 Para opened fire on protesters, claiming the lives of 14 Irish nationals and wounding at least 14 more.

As the protest took place in London, a similar Rolling Thunder demonstration rode to Stormont, in Belfast, also to show support for Soldier F.

Around 80 riders, many of them military veterans, set off from the Cultra, County Down, and arrived at Stormont, the seat of devolved government in Belfast, at around 1.30pm.

He is the only one set to stand trial for the massacre, that took place in Derry at the height of the Troubles

British soldiers from 1 Para opened fire on protesters, claiming the lives of 14 Irish nationals and wounding at least 14 more. Above: a biker rides a trike motorcycle past the Cenotaph in Westminster

The events of Bloody Sunday helped gain support for the Provisional IRA in the Troubles. Above: a biker rides past Parliament

The bikers donned helmets and goggles and dressed mainly in black as they rode their bikes through the capital

Some bikers wore jackets adorned with medals and badges, including this military man

Others waved Union Jacks and the St George’s flag as they rode through the seat of the British Government and Parliament

There was the sound of horns blasting and engines revving as the bikers rode up the mile-long Prince of Wales Avenue.

Parachute Regiment flags flew from a number of the bikes taking part.

The events of Bloody Sunday helped galvanise support for the Provisional IRA early in the Troubles.

At the same time as the London demonstration, another ‘Rolling Thunder’ group rode to Stormont, in Belfast, Northern Ireland

They were also riding in support of Soldier F, with some displaying flags with the words, ‘I stand with Soldier F’

Around 80 riders, many of them military veterans, set off from the Cultra, County Down, and arrived at Stormont, the seat of devolved government in Belfast, at around 1.30pm

An image of a Catholic priest waving a bloodstained handkerchief as he tried to help a victim to safety went around the world.

A public inquiry conducted by a senior judge shortly after the deaths was branded a whitewash by victims’ families and a campaign was launched for a new public inquiry.

Relatives sought to right the wrongs of false claims that their loved ones had been armed. A fresh probe was eventually ordered by then prime minister Tony Blair in 1998.

The Bloody Sunday Inquiry, investigated by Lord Saville, concluded that protesters who posed no threats to the soldiers were killed.

British soldiers minutes before paratroopers opened fire killing 13 civilians on Bloody Sunday, in a standoff is near barricade 14 on William St, Londonderry, on 30 January 1972

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gyrlversion · 5 years

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Former soldier facing prosecution fights for right to have jury trial

Dennis Hutchings, 77, arrives outside the Supreme Court in London this morning

A former soldier facing prosecution over a shooting during Northern Ireland‘s Troubles has gone to the UK’s highest court to demand a trial by jury.

Dennis Hutchings, 77, a former member of the Life Guards regiment, is charged in relation to the fatal shooting of John Pat Cunningham, a man with learning difficulties killed in June 1974 in disputed circumstances in County Armagh.

Mr Cunningham, 27, was shot in the back as he ran away from an Army patrol, but his family contend that he ran across a field because he feared men in uniform.

Hutchings, of Cawsand, Cornwall, has claimed he never intended to kill or injure Mr Cunningham, but he was firing warning shots to get him to stop.

More than 40 years on, a case was brought against Hutchings after Northern Ireland’s attorney general asked prosecutors to review the case.

Hutchings is due to stand trial in Belfast charged with attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. He denies the charges.

Supporters from campaign group Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans clapped and cheered as Hutchings arrived at the Supreme Court in London this morning

Mr Hutchings arrives today for the latest hearing in his challenge against the decision to hold his trial without a jury over the shooting in Northern Ireland during the Troubles

He has now gone to the Supreme Court in London to challenge a decision by prosecutors that his trial will be heard by a judge alone, rather than by a jury.

Supporters from campaign group Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans clapped and cheered as Hutchings arrived at the court this morning.

Hutchings (pictured at a funeral in 1968) admitted he was ‘a bit nervous, obviously’

Hutchings thanked them and said: ‘Victory for veterans, that’s what we want.’

Speaking outside court, Hutchings said he was ‘a bit nervous, obviously, although I don’t think we will get a decision today’.

He said he was ‘reasonably confident’ he would win his case, but added: ‘I just don’t trust the system anymore.’

Hutchings said: ‘The thing is whatever decision we get in here today affects every service person.

‘If I win, for instance, they will then have a choice between having a judge-only trial and a jury trial; 99.9 per cent of service people will want a jury trial.’

Pointing at the nearby Houses of Parliament, Hutchings added: ‘These people sent us there to do the job. Yes, things happened.

‘They called it the Troubles because it’s easier to call it the Troubles. It wasn’t the bloody Troubles, it was a war, as simple as that.’

Hutchings speaks in London in April 2017 to protest against a witch-hunt against ex-soldiers

His barrister, James Lewis QC, told five Supreme Court justices that the principle of ‘procedural fairness’ required Hutchings to be ‘afforded an opportunity to make representations’ about whether to hold a non-jury trial.

Bloody Sunday families ‘not finished yet’ after prosecution decision

Families of people killed on Bloody Sunday have said they are ‘not finished yet’ after prosecutors announced that only one former paratrooper is to be prosecuted over the shootings.

The veteran, known as Soldier F, will face charges for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell in Londonderry in 1972.

Sixteen other former soldiers and two suspected ex-members of the Official IRA, all of whom were also investigated as part of a major police murder probe, will not face prosecution, the Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service said today.

As families of the victims gathered to give their reaction in Derry’s Guildhall John Kelly, whose 17-year-old brother Michael was killed, said many had received a ‘terrible disappointment’.

But he welcomed the positive news for the six families impacted by the decision to prosecute soldier F. ‘Their victory is our victory,’ he said.

Thirteen civil rights demonstrators were shot dead on January 30 1972, on one of the most notorious days of the Northern Ireland Troubles.

Mr Lewis added that ‘in order to make meaningful representations, he needs a gist or summary of the material’ considered by prosecutors.

The Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland can direct a defendant be tried by a judge alone, in what was formerly known as a Diplock court, where a charged offence was ‘committed to any extent … as a result of, in connection with or in response to religious or political hostility’.

Prosecutors concluded that, in Hutchings’ case, there was ‘a risk that the administration of justice might be impaired if the trial were to be conducted with a jury’.

But Mr Lewis said the connection to ‘sectarian violence as required’ by the law was ‘too remote’.

He added: ‘The offence must have occurred due to political or religious hostility (directly or indirectly) and that cannot apply to the security services who were there to uphold law and order and so were not engaging in any such acts (directly or indirectly).’

But Gerald Simpson QC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland, said in written submissions that the decision to direct a non-jury trial was ‘inconsistent with an obligation to allow representations to be made’.

He added that Hutchings’ contention that the shooting did not relate to ‘religious or political hostility’ effectively ‘ignores the reality of the situation which prevailed in Northern Ireland in 1974’.

The Supreme Court today reserved its decision to a date to be fixed.

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gyrlversion · 5 years

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One out of 17 British Army veterans will face Bloody Sunday charges

Military veterans have slammed a decision to charge a former British soldier with the murder of two men in the Bloody Sunday shootings nearly 50 years ago.

The man, named only as ‘Soldier F’, is one of 17 former members of the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment who were investigated over the violence which left 13 people dead in Londonderry in 1972.

The ex-soldier, who is now thought to be in his 70s, faces trial for the alleged murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the alleged attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell.

The decision to prosecute him has angered Armed Forces groups, who contrasted his treatment with the many IRA terrorists who have been let off during the peace process.

Critics of the probe point out that around 200 IRA fugitives, thought to be behind a series of terror attacks during the Troubles, were sent so-called ‘comfort letters’, assuring them they were no longer suspects.

The sixteen other British military veterans who were investigated over Bloody Sunday will not face action, it was announced this morning.

But the minister was criticised by fellow Tory MP and ex-Army Officer Johnny Mercer for failing to do enough to protect soldiers from prosecution.

Linda Nash, whose youngest brother William Nash died on Bloody Sunday, wept and hugged campaigner Eamonn McCann after it was announced that a British soldier will be prosecuted over the shootings. But critics have hit out at the decision

Soldier F will be charged with the murders of James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) on Bloody Sunday. Mr Wray, 22, was shot twice in the back. Mr McKinney was film-maker who recorded scenes from the march before the shooting started

A photo from January 30 1972 shows demonstrators facing off with British soldiers minutes before paratroopers opened fire, killing 13 civilians on what became known as Bloody Sunday

At the same time as soldier F’s prosecution was announced this morning, authorities revealed that two alleged Official IRA members would also face no criminal action.

The investigation into British soldiers so many years after the events in Londonderry is highly controversial, with outcry that those who served their country in Northern Ireland now face lengthy criminal probes.

Military groups slammed at the decision to bring charges against Soldier F with Alan Barry, the founder of the Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans group, saying: ‘It’s one soldier too many as far as we’re concerned.

‘It’s very one-sided. No soldier should be charged. It happened 47 years ago, a line in the sand needs to be drawn and people need to move on.

‘Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement veterans are being left open to prosecution while terrorists have been cleansed of their past crimes.’

Former Grenadier Guard Mr Barry, 54, who served in Northern Ireland in the 1980s, added: ‘It’s all about appeasement: appeasing the IRA, appeasing Sinn Fein, and if that means throwing one or two veterans under a bus then that’s what they’ll do.

‘It’s a disgrace. How old is he? He’ll be in his 70s. I want to know why the IRA aren’t being prosecuted.’

Former Coldstream Guardsman Vern Tilbury, 58, accused the country of ‘spitting on’ its veterans.

Mr Tilbury, who served in West Belfast in 1978-79 and 1982, said: ‘This government is looking at us veterans as collateral damage. We’re just a thorn in their side. How many more of us are going to have to go through it?’

The families of those killed on Bloody Sunday said they are disappointed more ex-soldiers won’t be brought before court.

Relatives of those who died said more soldiers should have been charged. Veterans groups said Soldier F is ‘one too many’

Families of those who died on Bloody Sunday march this morning through the Bogside in Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Ex-Army MP attacks government failure to protect veterans

After the announcement that Soldier F would face murder charges today, Conservative MP and former British Army officer Johnny Mercer tweeted that it was the result of ‘an abject failure to govern and legislate, on our watch as a Conservative administration’.

‘When I speak of a chasm between those who serve and their political masters in this country, I mean this,’ he added, referring to the case.

Mr Mercer (pictured, above) posted a video of Theresa May vowing to never let ‘left-wing human rights lawyers harangue our armed forces’, saying the footage ‘stings’ him.

British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed the Ministry of Defence would support soldier F and pay the legal costs.

He said: ‘We are indebted to those soldiers who served with courage and distinction to bring peace to Northern Ireland.

‘The welfare of our former service personnel is of the utmost importance and we will offer full legal and pastoral support to the individual affected by today’s decision. This includes funding all his legal costs and providing welfare support.

‘The Ministry of Defence is working across Government to drive through a new package of safeguards to ensure our armed forces are not unfairly treated.

‘And the Government will urgently reform the system for dealing with legacy issues. Our serving and former personnel cannot live in constant fear of prosecution.’

Relatives of those killed were today joined by supporters close to the scene of the shootings in Londonderry’s Bogside estate, ahead of a march through the city.

Around 35 supporters from campaign group Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans also gathered, with a banner reading: ‘Our veterans fought for you, our veterans died for you, now it’s your chance to fight for us.’

The case comes after years of arguing over one of the darkest days of the Troubles.

Unionists and military veterans insist it is betrayal of those who served and fought in Northern Ireland to now put the soldiers on trial.

The soldiers involved claimed they retaliated after coming under gunfire and former Army chiefs fear servicemen may not follow orders in future if they fear they could face prosecution at a later date.

Derek Wilford, pictured (left) in recent years and (right) in 1972, was the commander in charge on Bloody Sunday. He said he felt his men had been betrayed

British troops search civilians on the day of the Bloody Sunday massacre, January 30, 1972

Police began the criminal probe in the wake of the 12-year, £200million inquiry led by Lord Saville, which concluded in 2010. Pictured: Tear gas explosions at the demonstrations on Bloody Sunday

Anger at ‘comfort letters’ given to IRA terrorists while British soldier faces court

The anger of Army veterans over the investigation has been increased by the ‘comfort letters’ given to IRA terror suspects.

The effective amnesty for the fugitives was granted in a secret deal between Tony Blair’s Labour government and Sinn Fein around the time of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

They assured 187 Republican terror suspects they were no longer being hunted by the police.

IRA terror suspect John Downey was sent an immunity letter causing his trial for for the 1982 Hyde Park bombing to collapse

At least 95 recipients were linked to almost 300 murders.

The letters – sent to the so-called ‘on the runs’ after pressure from Sinn Fein – only came to light during the trial of John Downey, the man accused of the Hyde Park bombing in 1982.

The trial collapsed in February last year when it emerged the 63-year-old had been told he would not face prosecution for the blast that killed four soldiers and seven horses in London.

Other IRA fugitives likely to have been sent letters reassuring them they would not be prosecuted include Pól Brennan and Terrence Kirby, two of the ‘H-Block four’ who escaped from the notorious Maze Prison in Northern Ireland in 1983.

Relatives of those killed insist they are seeking to challenge false claims that their loved ones had been armed.

Ahead of today’s decision, the officer who was in charge of British troops on the day hit out at the possibility that his men will be dragged into court nearly 50 years on.

Lt-Col Derek Wilford, the commander on the day, said yesterday that he and his men feel ‘betrayed’ and that he is ‘very angry’ at their treatment by authorities.

The now-86-year-old told The Daily Telegraph: ‘I maintain the fact that there was fire and we were part of it. These people on the barricades were out to kill us. You don’t need to be a soldier to realise that’s what was happening.

‘That is why now I have no sympathy with the other side. My sympathy lies with my soldiers, who day after day were obliged to go out into the wilderness of hostility.’

He said he accepted that what happened was bad and he is sorry for what took place, but does not regret what his soldiers did.

British troops had been sent into the Bogside nationalist housing estate to deal with riots which followed a march, held in defiance of a ban on public processions.

As well as the 13 who died, a total of 15 others were shot and injured. One of the injured died months later from an inoperable tumour and some consider him the 14th fatality.

In 2010, an inquiry by Lord Saville found that those killed were innocent and posed no threat. The soldiers claimed they fired in retaliation after coming under attack from IRA gunmen.

One former soldier who was under investigation previously said: ‘We were made to give evidence to the Saville inquiry. We weren’t hiding from anyone. But we were told statements given to the inquiry couldn’t be used in prosecutions.

‘The next thing we know, the Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service (PPS) are saying they are deciding on prosecutions.

‘At the time of the inquiry, families were saying they were not interested in prison sentences for soldiers. Now they are saying they want life sentences.’

Pictured: The aftermath of the incident. Eighteen former paratroopers were under investigation, but one died last year

Lord Saville, who chaired the investigation into the incident, yesterday insisted its sole purpose was to find out what went on.

Lord Saville told the BBC yesterday: ‘I didn’t know what was likely to happen. We hoped the inquiry would help the situation in Ireland and I think and hope it did to a degree.

‘The question as to whether it draws a line under events or whether there should be prosecutions is not one for me, it’s one for politicians and prosecuting authorities.

‘If people want more and feel that justice can only be served by prosecutions against those that they believe to be responsible, then that is a matter again on which I can’t really comment.’

Evidence given to the Bloody Sunday inquiry is not admissible in any potential criminal prosecutions under terms agreed when it was launched in 1998. But soldiers say there would have been no prospect of prosecutions without it.

The mural depicting those who lost their lives on Bloody Sunday in Rossville Street

A 1998 photograph of Lord Saville of Newdigate chairing the Bloody Sunday inquiry

An investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) followed the £195 million inquiry and files on 18 soldiers were submitted to prosecutors in 2016 and 2017 for consideration. One former soldier has since died.

Four other soldiers included in the Saville Report died before police had completed their investigation.

A decision is also due to be taken today by the PPS as to whether to charge two Official IRA suspects present on the day.

Papers before prosecutors included 668 witness statements and numerous photos, video and audio evidence.

Who were the victims of the Bloody Sunday shootings?

Patrick Doherty, 31. The married father-of-six was shot from behind as he attempted to crawl to safety from the forecourt of Rossville Flats.

Gerald Donaghey, 17. The IRA youth member was shot in the abdomen while running between Glenfada Park and Abbey Park. While Lord Saville said it was probable that he was in possession of nail bombs when he was shot, he stressed that he was not preparing to throw a nail bomb at the time and was shot ‘while trying to escape from the soldiers’.

John ‘Jackie’ Duddy, 17. The first to be killed on Bloody Sunday, he was running away when he was shot in the chest in the car park of Rossville Flats.

Hugh Gilmour, 17. The talented footballer and ardent Liverpool fan was hit with a single shot as he ran away from the rubble barricade in Rossville Street.

Michael Kelly, 17. The trainee sewing machine mechanic was shot once in the abdomen close to the rubble barricade in Rossville Street by a soldier crouched some 80 yards away at Kells Walk.

(Top row, left to right) Patrick Doherty, Bernard McGuigan, John ‘Jackie’ Duddy and Gerald Donaghey. (Bottom row, left to right) Gerard McKinney, Jim Wray, William McKinney and John Young

Michael McDaid, 20. The barman died instantly after being shot in the face at the barricade in Rossville Street.

Kevin McElhinney, 17. The grocery store worker was shot from behind as he crawled towards Rossville Flats.

Bernard ‘Barney’ McGuigan, 41. The father-of-six was going to the aid of Patrick Doherty, waving a white handkerchief in his hand, when he was shot in the head with a single round. He died instantly.

Gerard McKinney, 35. The father-of-eight was running close behind Gerald Donaghey in Abbey Park when the bullet that killed both of them hit him first.

William ‘Willie’ McKinney (not related to Gerard), 27. The keen amateur film-maker recorded scenes from the march with his hand-held cinecamera before the shooting started. The camera was found in his jacket pocket as he lay dying after being shot in the back in Glenfada Park.

William Nash, 19. The dockworker was struck by a single bullet to the chest close to the rubble barricade in Rossville Street.

James Wray, 22. Engaged to be married, the civil rights activist was shot twice in the back in Glenfada Park.

John Young, 17. The menswear shop clerk was killed instantly with a single shot to the head at the rubble barricade.

(Top row, left to right:) Michael Kelly, Michael McDaid, Hugh Gilmore. (Bottom row, left to right) Kevin McElhinney, William Nash and (bottom right) John Johnston, who some consider a victim of the shooting but whose death was put down to a brain tumour

John Johnston, 59, was shot twice by soldiers positioned inside a derelict building in William Street. He died four months later in hospital, but while many consider him the 14th victim of Bloody Sunday, his death was formally attributed to an inoperable brain tumour.

A timeline of Bloody Sunday and the Troubles

August 1969 – British Government first send troops into Northern Ireland to restore order after three days of rioting in Catholic Londonderry.

30 January 1972 – On ‘Bloody Sunday’ 13 civilians are shot dead by the British Army during a civil rights march in Londonderry.

March 1972 – The Stormont Government is dissolved and direct rule imposed by London.

1970s – The IRA begin its bloody campaign of bombings and assassinations in Britain.

British troops in Northern Ireland during the Troubles which began in the late 1960s and lasted until 1998 with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement

April 1981 – Bobby Sands, a republicans on hunger strike in the Maze prison, is elected to Parliament. He dies a month later.

October 1984 – An IRA bomb explodes at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, where Margaret Thatcher is staying during the Tory Party conference.

Early 1990s – Margaret Thatcher and then Sir John Major set up a secret back channel with the IRA to start peace talks. The communications was so secret most ministers did not know about it.

April 1998 – Tony Blair helps to broker the Good Friday Agreement, which is hailed as the end of the Troubles. It establishes the Northern Ireland Assembly with David Trimble as its first minister.

Norman Tebbit, a Conservative cabinet minister at the time, is carried from the wreckage of Brighton’s Grand Hotel following the IRA bomb in 1984

2000s – With some exceptions the peace process holds and republican and loyalist paramilitaries decommission their weapons

2010 – The Saville Report exonerates the civilians who were killed on Bloody Sunday leading to a formal apology from then Prime Minister David Cameron to the families.

2019 – Prosecutors announce whether to brig charges against the 17 surviving Paras who fired shots that day.

Former British soldier, 77, facing prosecution for shooting of man with learning difficulties at height of the Troubles in Northern Ireland fights for right to have trial by jury

A former soldier facing prosecution over a shooting during Northern Ireland‘s Troubles has gone to the UK’s highest court to demand a trial by jury.

Mr Cunningham, 27, was shot in the back as he ran away from an Army patrol, but his family contend that he ran across a field because he feared men in uniform.

Dennis Hutchings arrives today for the latest hearing in his challenge against the decision to hold his trial without a jury over the shooting in Northern Ireland during the Troubles