
Soldier F was charged with the murder of William McKinney (left) and James Wray on Bloody Sunday
The case of ‘Soldier F’ was listed at Belfast Crown Court today for review.
Parachute Regiment soldiers shot and killed 13 civil rights protestors in Derry in January 1972.
One of the soldiers – who cannot be identified due to an anonymity order – appeared in court last December where he pleaded ‘not guilty’ to murdering Derry men James Wray and William McKinney.
Soldier F has also been charged with, and denied, five charges of attempted murder.
During today’s short, Mr Justice Fowler revealed a disclosure judge is to be appointed shortly to deal with any pre-trial issues.
Defence barrister Mark Mulholland KC told the court that a September date “would be prudent” for both the Crown and defence.
He said this would provide sufficient time for “both parties” to ensure “there are no hiccups” and that all pre-trial issues are dealt with prior to the commencement of the hearing.
Prosecution barrister David McNeill BL told Mr Justice Fowler any date in September “is suitable to the Crown.”
As Bloody Sunday relatives sat in the public gallery listening to proceedings, they heard Mr Justice Fowler say that whilst he wasn’t going to set a specific date for the trial today, he “would be listing it in September”.
The case will be reviewed next month.
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