Ruling on Daniel Hegarty killing welcomed
'Every effort should be made to progress this case as soon as possible'
The decision to overturn a previous decision not to prosecute the soldier who killed Daniel Hegarty has been welcomed by SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood.
The Court of Appeal quashed the decision of the Public Prosecution Service to drop the case.
Daniel Hegarty was 15-years-old when he was shot dead in Derry in July 1972.
Mr Eastwood said: "My thoughts today are with the family of Daniel Hegarty who have spent over 50 years fighting for truth and justice following his killing. I know how devastated they were by the decision not to prosecute, and I commend them for their refusal to give up and successfully challenging the PPS’ decision.
“I welcome today’s ruling by the Court of Appeal which opens the door for the Hegarty family to finally see justice done. Where evidence exists to prosecute it is only right that the courts take forward these cases, no matter how much time has elapsed. I know that the passage of time has not made this any easier for Daniel Hegarty’s family, especially given the multiple obstacles put in their way.
“This case again shows the futility of the British government’s Legacy Bill which seeks to close down prosecutions and routes to truth and justice for victims and their families. There can be no hiding place for those who carried out unspeakable crimes during our troubled past, whether they be state forces, paramiltaries or anyone else.
"I hope that this ruling from the Court of Appeal will now see the Hegarty family finally get their day in court and every effort should be made to progress this case as soon as possible.”