THE sister of a Derry teenager has hugged the former commanding officer of the soldier who shot her brother dead in 1972.
In an emotionally charged moment seconds after he left the court room yesterday, Helen Deery hugged former Officer Commanding, Trevor Wilson (79).
Moments earlier, Mr Wilson wept as he gave evidence to a new inquest into the death in May 1972 of 15-year-old Manus Deery. The teenager was shot dead by a now deceased British soldier named earlier this week as William Glasgow.
Glasgow, who died in 2001, claimed at the time he had fired a shot from Derry’s walls at a gunman spotted in the Bogside by his colleague, who was identified as Soldier B.
As he left the court room yesterday, former OC, Mr Wilson was followed by the teenager’s sisters, Ms Deery and Marie Kirk. Outside the door of the courtroom, Ms Deery thanked the former British army officer for testifying to the inquest.
Then in a hugely poignant moment, the Derry woman and the former soldier embraced and wept together.
Ms Deery told the Irish News Mr Wilson told her he was very sorry for what she and her family had to live with after her brother was killed.
“It was very emotional. I needed to do it (embrace Mr Wilson). I needed someone human to come along,” she said.
She said her meeting with Mr Wilson, who was accompanied by his wife, had been hugely helpful.
“I will keep that man in my prayers from now on,” she said.
Earlier Mr Wilson told the inquest that he believed former soldier, Glasgow, was within his rights to shoot at a gunman.
However, towards the end of his evidence, he said it was difficult to understand the devastating impact the 15-year-old victim’s death at such a young age and in such circumstances had on his family. He also offered sympathy directly to the victim’s family
“I hope this inquiry may provide some comfort to you. Finally I shall continue to remember Manus and you in my thoughts and prayers,” Mr Wilson said.
The inquest continues next week.
