Shielding Soldier F from view unlawful, court told

Soldier F is facing prosecution in connection with events in the city in January 1972, when British troops opened fire on civil rights demonstrators, killing 13.

He is charged with the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murder of at least four others.

Under the terms of an interim order, the ex-serviceman’s identity cannot be disclosed.

The anonymity order is set to be re-examined at a later stage in the preliminary investigation at Derry Magistrates’ Court.

But lawyers representing Mr Wray’s sister, Margaret Wray, are challenging the prohibition on revealing Soldier F’s identity.

The decision to permit him to be screened while appearing remotely is also being contested.

Seeking to judicially review the District Judge overseeing the committal proceedings, Ms Doherty said Soldier F gave evidence in public view at the Saville Inquiry. However, he has appeared via videolink with his camera turned off for the ongoing preliminary inquiry.

The development came as a shock to the families of Bloody Sunday victims already dealing with "very painful and emotional" proceedings, the court heard.

"The prosecution service and the judge appear to have taken the view that it is required by the interim anonymity order, and we say that’s plainly not the case," Ms Doherty submitted.

She insisted that the order granted to Soldier F did not extend to his image.

"This man has the benefit of screening which he never applied for, was never granted and never had the benefit of in the past," the barrister added.

Counsel for the District Judge stressed he planned to deal with the issues before the committal proceedings resume in June.

Paul McLaughlin QC said: "The judge is telling the court and the public that it is his intention to rule on the merits of anonymity."

Mr Justice Colton also pointed out that reasons were given for how the preliminary inquiry was being handled remotely during the pandemic, with less control over photographs being taken.

But adjourning the challenge to next week, he emphasised: "Any derogation from the principle of open justice has to be justified."

Outside court, Ms Wray’s solicitor claimed the prosecution and defence were content for the issue of Soldier F’s anonymity to "drift endlessly".

Fearghal Shiels of Madden and Finucane added: "The High Court now proposes a pragmatic way forward to resolve this issue. Ms Wray has been totally vindicated in bringing these proceedings.

Belfast Telegraph