Northern Ireland

Former soldier investigated over Bloody Sunday calls for statute of limitations

Bloody Sunday relatives hold a press conference in Derry last month after the Public Prosecution Service announced that one solider will face prosecution over the killings in 1972. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Bloody Sunday relatives hold a press conference in Derry last month after the Public Prosecution Service announced that one solider will face prosecution over the killings in 1972. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire Bloody Sunday relatives hold a press conference in Derry last month after the Public Prosecution Service announced that one solider will face prosecution over the killings in 1972. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire

A former soldier investigated over the Bloody Sunday shootings has described the British government as "gutless".

The 77-year-old known as 'Sergeant O' claimed a statute of limitations should be introduced to prevent future historical investigations and apply to Iraq and Afghanistan as well as Northern Ireland.

Sergeant O was one of 17 former members of the Parachute Regiment to have their actions following the 1972 civil rights march in Derry examined.

Last month the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) announced it will prosecute only one of the 17, a man known as Soldier F.

The decision sparked disappointment among victims' relatives but anger among former soldiers.

In an interview with Forces News, Sergeant O described serving in Northern Ireland in the 1970s as "utterly hell on wheels", but insisted that he has no regrets.

"Part of the United Kingdom was in upheaval and it was our job to try to calm it down. We did it to the best of our ability," he said.

"I've been often castigated for 'it was a job well done'. It was well done. I'd do it again, the exact same way."

He said the government should "draw a line" under historical investigations "as they've done for the IRA terrorists".

"Wipe the slate clean and say get on with your life."

Meanwhile, bikers from across the UK are expected to protest in London on April 12 against the prosecution of Soldier F.

Rolling Thunder ride organiser Harry Wragg said: "Our ride is not directed at the victims, it is directed at the British government."