Northern Ireland

Police seize posters claiming to reveal Soldier F's identity

Some members of the Clyde Valley flute band wore Parachute regiment and Soldier F insignia while taking part in the Relief of Derry parade in 2019.
Some members of the Clyde Valley flute band wore Parachute regiment and Soldier F insignia while taking part in the Relief of Derry parade in 2019. Some members of the Clyde Valley flute band wore Parachute regiment and Soldier F insignia while taking part in the Relief of Derry parade in 2019.

POLICE have confirmed officers removed several posters erected in Derry purporting to reveal the name of Bloody Sunday paratrooper Soldier F.

They were put up in various locations around the city, including Guildhall Square, and were also widely distributed on social media despite a court order banning the naming of the former soldier.

The director of public prosecutions (DPP) met families on Friday to confirm that murder cases against Soldier F and Soldier B were being discontinued. Soldier F was facing two murder charges in respect of the Bloody Sunday killings of William McKinney and Jim Wray. He was also expected to be charged with the attempted murder of Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn and the late Patrick O'Donnell.

Police removed two posters at Guildhall Square.
Police removed two posters at Guildhall Square. Police removed two posters at Guildhall Square.

Soldier B was expected to be charged with the murder of Daniel Hegarty (15) who was shot dead early on the morning of July 31 1972 during a British army operation to clear no-go areas. DPP Stephen Herron told the families the decision to discontinue the cases was taken after evidence in a separate legacy case was ruled as inadmissible.

Soldier F was first granted anonymity during the 1972 Widgery Inquiry into Bloody Sunday. Last month, a court ruled that he should be allowed to retain anonymity.

The judge said threat assessments found that Soldier F was at low risk of attack from dissident republicans. However, the judge said this could rise if he was denied anonymity. He accepted an assessment from former PSNI assistant chief constable, Alan McQuillan that the former soldier would “have to look over his shoulder for the rest of his life”.

A PSNI spokesman said: “Police in Derry became aware of two posters that had been erected in Guildhall Square in the city on Saturday 3 July. Officers attended and removed the material. Inquiries into this incident are ongoing."