Soldier F is being prosecuted 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 30 January 1972.

A bid to have the case dismissed for a lack of evidence was rejected on Friday by Mr Justice Stephen Fowler, a High Court judge sitting in Belfast Crown Court.

Soldier F subsequently pleaded not guilty on all charges. A trial date is to be set early in 2025, according to the BBC.

Mickey McKinney, brother of William McKinney, welcomed the court’s decision in a statement issued through law firm Madden & Finucane Solicitors.

However, he also expressed disappointment that the court extended an anonymity order in respect of Soldier F.

Mr McKinney added: “The events of Bloody Sunday took place 53 years ago next month. It is imperative that the court does not tolerate any more delay and that this trial proceeds as a matter of urgency.

“This is a day when we remember all the victims of the British Army in the north of Ireland.”