Daniel Hegarty with his sister Kathleen who has carried on the fight for justice for her brother
On Monday, the PPS said a British soldier, named only as Soldier B, is now to be charged with the murder of Daniel Hegarty after the family’s long but dignified campaign for justice for the past 47 years.
Following that decision, Col Richard Kemp, ex-head of British forces in Afghanistan, said: “It’s wrong he should spend what could be his last days fighting for his freedom. But terrorists walk free with comfort letters and Royal pardons. It’s sham justice to appease the IRA.”
The Foyle MLA said: “The family of 15 year-old Daniel Hegarty who was shot dead by a British soldier in Derry in 1972 received the news on Monday that a former soldier is to face charges for his murder following their long campaign for truth and justice.
“Their dignified campaign stands in stark contrast to the comments from former British Army officer Richard Kemp who has only added to the distress and hurt of the family.
“His comments were also indicative of the attitude of the British state towards dealing with the legacy of the conflict and the role of its forces, agents and their proxies in loyalist death squads.
“The British government needs to end its blocking of access to the truth for victims of state violence and accept that no one can be above the law.
“Mechanisms have been agreed to address the legacy of the conflict and we need to see this implemented,” added Mr McCartney.
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