Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Tuesday 18°CWednesday 13°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
CourtsNews

Ex-soldier to be charged with 1972 murder of Daniel Hegarty

April 15, 2019
ShareTweet

Daneil Hegarty was shot dead by a British soldier in Derry in 1972

A FORMER British soldier is to be charged with murdering a teenager, who was shot twice in the head in Derry almost 47 years ago.

Fifteen-year-old Daniel Hegarty was killed in an Army operation near his home in Creggan in July 1972.

Last year, the High Court ruled a decision not to prosecute, taken in 2016, was based on “flawed” reasoning.

The British Army veteran, known as Soldier B, will also face a second charge of wounding the teenager’s cousin.

The move has been welcomed by the Hegarty family.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Herron, informed the Hegarty family of developments at a private meeting.

He conducted a review of the case following the court ruling.

Mr Herron said he believed the evidence “is sufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction”.

In reaching the decision, he added that he had taken Soldier B’s ill health into consideration.

An inquest in 2011 found Daniel Hegarty posed no risk and was shot without warning as the Army moved in to clear “no-go” areas during Operation Motorman.

His cousin, Christopher Hegarty, 17, was also shot in the head by the same soldier, but survived.

In respect of the older youth, Soldier B will face a charge of wounding with intent.

Margaret Brady, sister of Daniel Hegarty, always vowed the family wouold not give up until they got justice for him

In a statement, the Hegarty family said: “This has been a long journey. It has taken 47 years to finally get the state to do the right thing.

“We urge anyone fighting for justice never to give up.

“We wish Soldier B no ill-will. We just want the criminal trial process to begin.”

A total of six former soldiers are now facing prosecution over Troubles-era killings.

The cases relate to Daniel Hegarty; Bloody Sunday; John Pat Cunningham; Joe McCann (involving two ex-soldiers); and Aidan McAnespie.

Not all the charges are murder.

The Public Prosecution Service said that of 26 so-called legacy cases it has taken decisions on since 2011, 13 related to republicans, eight to loyalists, and five are connected to the Army.

Related Topics

Ex-soldier to be charged with 1972 murder of Daniel Hegarty was last modified: April 16th, 2019 by John

Tags:
CRegganDirector of Public ProsecutionsEx-soldier to be charged with 1972 murder of Daniel HegartyJuly 1972PUBLIC PROSECUTION SERVICEStephen Herron
ShareTweet

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Durkan: Western Trust patients face 6 year...

11 hours ago

Gardai face legal action over investigation into...

18 hours ago

Daryl Gurney and Josh Rock win World...

20 hours ago

‘We are both fine’ – Daniel reassures...

2 days ago

One arrested over disorder in Derry

2 days ago

Tyrone writer launches compelling new novel

2 days ago

Advice issued ahead of City Cemetery blessing...

3 days ago

Fun for just £1 this summer at...

4 days ago

NWRC graduate swaps chips for microchips

5 days ago

Infrastructure Minister visits Foyle Port

5 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Gardai face legal action over investigation into Denis Donaldson’s murder

    June 16, 2025
  • Three Derry men fined over illegal fishing in Donegal

    June 9, 2025
  • Derry man who sexually assaulted young woman in Buncrana park jailed for 3 years

    June 8, 2025
  • Man and woman charged to Derry court over drugs offences

    June 8, 2025
  • Two Derry men jailed over one of Europe’s largest illegal dumps

    June 6, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy