Lawyer calls for inquiry into prosecution of soldiers

A lawyer acting for former British soldiers facing prosecution for their actions during the Troubles has called for an inquiry into whether the prosecutorial processes are fair.

Solicitor Philip Barden of London firm Devonshires Solicitors, told BBC News that many of his clients and other former soldiers “feel that the process is unfair”.

He said: “These are soldiers whose shootings were investigated at the time they took place and the then director of public prosecutions took a decision, based upon the evidence that was then available, that no action would be taken against them.

“They’ve got on with their lives, their memories have faded, and now after, in some cases more than 40 years, they face the prospect of being prosecuted, and they feel that it is very prejudicial for them and they are very concerned by it.”

Mr Barden added: “Justice must be seen to be done, and I think in these circumstances it would help everybody if someone such as a senior judge were to be instructed by the government to review the processes and procedures that have been put in place.”

His comments come amid growing speculation that Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire will back legislative measures to prevent more soldiers from being prosecuted.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, DUP MP for Lagan Valley, said he understood the proposal is “at discussion stage within the government”.