Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Monday 18°CTuesday 18°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
CourtsDerry CityNews

High Court quashes decision to discontinue Soldier F case

March 23, 2022
ShareTweet

Soldier F was charged with the murder of William McKinney (left) and James Wray on Bloody Sunday

The High Court in Belfast has quashed a decision by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) to discontinue the case against Soldier F, who is accused of two murders on Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972.

It follows a legal challenge brought by the family of one of the victims.

The PPS said in 2021 that it was seeking to drop the case after reviewing the evidence.

But the High Court has said that decision should be reconsidered.

It said it may be for the trial judge to rule on the issue of whether key evidence was admissible or not.

Solider F had been facing trial for the murders of William McKinney and James Wray, plus five counts of attempted murder, in Derry on 30 January 1972.

In her ruling, Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan said the PPS must reconsider its decision, which it based on concerns over the admissibility of evidence in the case.

She said: “We consider that the decision crosses the threshold of irrationality where it simply does not add up, or in other words there is an error of reasoning which robs the decision of logic.

“It follows that the matter should remain with the PPS to reconsider the decision”.

However, a separate legal bid to overturn the PPS’s decision not to prosecute five other soldiers for the deaths of six people on Bloody Sunday failed.

Thirteen people were shot dead and at least 15 others injured when members of the Army’s Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in the Bogside – a predominantly Catholic part of Derry – on Sunday 30 January 1972.

The day became known as Bloody Sunday.

It is widely regarded as one of the darkest days of the Northern Ireland Troubles.

William McKinney’s brother Mickey said he was delighted for his own family and for the family of Jim Wray.

“It was with regret that we were forced to bring these proceedings in the first place but the PPS did not engage with us properly in respect of its decision making, but in fact came to Derry last July and presented us with a determination it had already decided upon,” he said.

Mr McKinney told BBC Radio Foyle there was now an onus on the PPS to reconsider their decision.

He said the family and their legal team would “wait and see what happens”.

Solicitor Ciaran Shiels, who represents a number of the Bloody Sunday families, said the PPS must “move immediately to re-institute the proceedings against Soldier F and to secure his committal for trial in the Crown Court”.

“The families continue to be vindicated in their long pursuit of justice,” he added.

High Court quashes decision to discontinue Soldier F case was last modified: March 25th, 2022 by cassoscoop

Tags:
BelfastBloody SundayHigh Court quashes decision to discontinue Soldier F caseJIM WRAYLady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan KeeganSoldier Fsolicitor Ciaran ShielsThe High CourtWilliam McKinney
ShareTweet

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Durkan: Western Trust patients face 6 year...

5 hours ago

Gardai face legal action over investigation into...

12 hours ago

Daryl Gurney and Josh Rock win World...

13 hours ago

Visitors urged to be respectful of Sr...

1 day ago

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

2 days ago

Derry rep among those taking part in...

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...

2 days ago

Durkan slams ‘shocking’ Minister response on Foyle...

2 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