Judge rules to allow ‘decisive’ hearsay evidence in Soldier F trial

Today, 24 September, a judge in the Soldier F trial ruled that he will allow ‘hearsay’ evidence from two other ex-soldiers. The prosecution characterised the new evidence “decisive” to the case.

Soldier F is accused of the murders of William McKinney and Jim Wray on 30 January 1972, along with five attempted murders. The date is also known as ‘Bloody Sunday’, when British Parachute Regiment soldiers shot 13 civilians dead after a protest march in Derry. Another man died months later due to gunshot injuries. All 14 were Catholic. The massacre was one of the most significant events of the Troubles.

Judge Patrick Lynch granted the application by the prosecution to allow several statements from two ex-soldiers as evidence. The two are known as Soldiers G and H; both were deployed in Derry at the time. They allege that Soldier F fired his gun in the courtyard where McKinney and Wray were murdered.

The defence team for Soldier F challenged the validity of the statements as evidence. Soldier H has refused to give evidence at the trial, invoking the right not to incriminate himself. Moreover, Soldier G died since making his statements.

However, Judge Lynch recognised that the prosecution’s case:

is totally dependent upon hearsay statements attributed to two soldiers.

After consideration, he allowed the statements into evidence. He also declined to give his reasons for doing so, stating that this would be inappropriate.

Campaign groups hailed the decision as an important step towards justice. The Bloody Sunday Trust stated that:

During proceedings last week, prosecution Barrister Louis Mably KC told the court that the statements provided by Soldiers G and H to the Royal Military Police on Bloody Sunday, and to the Widgery Tribunal in 1972,  are the only evidence “capable of proving” Soldier F fired his rifle at civilians in Glenfada Park North.

The Bloody Sunday Trust welcomes this mornings decision by Judge Patrick Lynch that Military witness statements from Bloody Sunday can be admitted as evidence in the Solider F trial.

We congratulate the families for this victory as the fight for justice continues! pic.twitter.com/BEbRzO53tD

— Bloody Sunday Trust (@BloodySundayT) September 24, 2025

The judge adjourned the trial until this Friday, when the court will agree on a schedule for the new evidence.

Featured image supplied