Soldier F Trial: Hearsay Evidence Admitted in bloody Sunday Case
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The trial of Soldier F,a former British paratrooper accused of murder and attempted murder during the 1972 Bloody sunday shootings in Derry,Northern ireland,has progressed with a key ruling allowing the admission of hearsay evidence. This decision, made by Judge Patrick Lynch in Belfast Crown Court, centers on statements from two other former soldiers, identified as Soldiers G and H, who place Soldier F at the scene of the shootings.The prosecution’s case relies heavily on this testimony.
Background: Bloody Sunday and the Charges Against Soldier F
On January 30, 1972, British paratroopers opened fire on civil rights protestors in the Bogside area of Derry, resulting in the deaths of 13 people. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-67144419 Following a lengthy inquiry, in 2019, Soldier F (whose identity is protected) was charged with the murders of James Wray and William McKinney. He also faces five charges of attempted murder related to injuries sustained by Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon, Patrick O’Donnell, and an unidentified individual. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/14/soldier-f-charged-with-murder-over-bloody-sunday-shootings He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Hearsay Evidence and the Judge’s Ruling
The defense team challenged the admissibility of statements made by Soldiers G and H, arguing against their use as evidence. Hearsay evidence is an out-of-court statement offered in court to prove the truth of the matter asserted. Generally, it is inadmissible due to concerns about reliability, as the person who made the statement was not under oath and is not subject to cross-examination at the time the statement was made. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/hearsay
However, Judge Lynch ruled that, despite the prosecution’s reliance on these statements, they would be admitted as evidence. He stated that the prosecution case “is totally dependent upon hearsay statements attributed to two soldiers,” but offered no immediate description for his decision. The reasons for his ruling will be provided at a later stage in the proceedings. https://www.irishnews.com/news/soldier-f-hearsay-evidence-from-two-former-soldiers-allowed-in-bloody-sunday-trial-43999916.html
Current Status and Next Steps
The trial was adjourned on September 24, 2025, and is scheduled to resume with the presentation of evidence on Monday, September 29, 2025. The admission of the hearsay evidence is a notable growth, and its impact on the trial’s outcome remains to be seen. The case continues to be closely watched due to its ancient importance and the sensitive nature of the events surrounding Bloody Sunday.
Primary Topic: Bloody Sunday trial – Soldier F
Primary Keyword: soldier F trial
Secondary keywords: Bloody Sunday, Derry, Northern Ireland, Hearsay Evidence, Belfast Crown Court, James Wray, William McKinney, attempted murder, British Paratroopers, Judge Patrick Lynch.
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