Bloody Sunday: trial of Soldier F can admit hearsay evidence, judge rules

"The trial of a former paratrooper charged with two murders and five attempted murders on Bloody Sunday can admit hearsay evidence that has been described by the prosecution as decisive, a judge has ruled."

"Prosecutors argued last week that the statements by two soldiers to the Royal Military Police on the night of the shootings, and to the Widgery tribunal later in 1972, were decisive and the only evidence capable of proving that Soldier F fired at civilians in Glenfada Park North."

"I am not only judge in relation to legal issues but also the tribunal of fact, with the ultimate responsibility of determining guilt or innocence based upon such facts as I decide have been proven to the criminal standard, that is beyond reasonable doubt, he said."

A former paratrooper known as Soldier F faces charges of two murders and five attempted murders for shootings in Derry on 30 January 1972. A judge granted a prosecution request to admit statements by other soldiers present during the shootings, including allegations that Soldier F fired into the courtyard where two victims were shot. Prosecutors described those statements as decisive and the only evidence capable of proving Soldier F fired at civilians. The defendant has pleaded not guilty. The trial is being held without a jury, and the judge will determine guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

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