NI: Families of Bloody Sunday victims welcome proposal for remote attendance at Soldier F trial
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The families of Bloody Sunday victims have welcomed proposals to allow them to remotely observe the murder trial of the former British soldier known as “Soldier F”.
Soldier F was charged last year with the murder of James Wray and William McKinney, and the attempted murder of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell.
The case was reviewed in a remote hearing before Derry Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where the district judge confirmed that contested committal proceedings are still set to take place at Bishop Street Courthouse on 16 July 2020, subject to review due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ciaran Shiels of Madden & Finucane Solicitors, advising the majority of the families of the deceased and wounded, said the court would reconvene remotely on 10 June “to consider a number of outstanding issues, including whether the accused and witnesses will be required to attend to give evidence”.
Mickey McKinney, brother of William McKinney, said: “We understand that the Court Service will be asked to make provision which will allow the families to attend or observe future hearings remotely whilst the effects of this pandemic are felt. We consider that this is a positive development as the participation of the families and wounded is central to this process.”
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