Bloody Sunday: Date set for conclusion of preliminary inquiry in Soldier F case

Soldier F is accused of the murder of Jim Wray and Willie McKinney on Bloody Sunday. He is also facing four counts of attempted murder.

placeholder image — Soldier F is accused of the murder of Jim Wray and Willie McKinney on Bloody Sunday. He is also facing four counts of attempted murder.

A date has been fixed for the conclusion of the preliminary inquiry involving the only British soldier charged in connection with the Bloody Sunday killings.

Soldier F is charged with the murder of Jim Wray and William McKinney on January 30, 1972 and five attempted murders.

At a hearing today District Judge Ted Magill said that the matter could be concluded before the end of the year.

He said that there would be a hearing in October to deal with some issues and then he set aside the week commencing December 11 to bring the matter to a conclusion.

The judge said that this delay would not affect the overall timescale of the case.

He said even if Soldier F had been returned for trial today it would be 'utterly impossible' for there to be a trial before next year.

Judge Magill said that everyone was anxious to move this case forward not least the accused who he said has had this 'hanging over his head for some time.'

At a previous hearing Judge Magill had ruled that statements made by other soldiers could be admitted as hearsay.

The case was adjourned until October 10.