Ex-soldier due in court in Derry over Bloody Sunday

A former Parachute Regiment soldier facing prosecution for two murders on Bloody Sunday is expected to appear in court in Londonderry in August.

Soldier F is to be charged with the murders of James Wray and William McKinney.

Charges will also be brought for the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell.

The Public Prosecution Service has now informed relatives that a court appearance is anticipated on a date in August, at Londonderry Magistrates’ Court.

"Significant progress has been made on the process of preparing the large volume of court papers required before a summons can issue to Soldier F,” the PPS said.

"While this complex process is at an advanced stage, the Public Prosecution Service has had to request some further material from police before the necessary papers can be finalised.

"Based on the estimated time required for this material to be provided, the prosecution team expects to be in a position to issue a summons to the defendant next month.

"It is therefore envisaged at this stage that Soldier F will make his first court appearance on a date in August, at Londonderry Magistrates' Court.

"In line with our commitment to keep the families informed of all developments, the PPS wrote to those involved last week with this latest timetable."

Thirteen men were shot dead by paratroopers on 30 January 1972 in Derry, while another 14 were shot and wounded.

The Saville Inquiry found that the dead were presenting no threat when they were shot and they had been killed without justification.

It was announced in March that one former paratrooper - Soldier F - would be prosecuted over the shootings.

The families reacted with a mix of vindication, disappointment and defiance, vowing to continue their campaign for justice.