A SOLDIER has branded as "outrageous" claims he could have shot dead a mother-of-six through a fence at point blank range.
Karen Quinlivan QC was questioning Soldier D on the fourth day of a fresh inquest into the death of Kathleen Thompson, who was killed on November 6 1971.
She put it to the soldier that the ballistic reports suggested it was possible "the shot that killed Kathleen Thompson could have been fired by you putting your gun at one of the gaps in the fence".
The soldier replied "that is outrageous".
Ms Quinlivan said: "I would suggest if you did that you cold bloodily murdered her."
This was rejected by the witness. He maintained that he believed he had come under fire.
The barrister said: "There never was a shot fired from the garden of 129 Rathlin Drive and you were lying when you suggested there was."
The witness replied: "No I am not lying."
Earlier, Ms Quinlivan said Soldier D had admitted firing two high velocity shots into the garden, a high velocity bullet had hit Mrs Thompson and there was no evidence that anyone else had fired into that garden.
Ms Quinlivan put it to the soldier "you killed Kathleen Thompson".
At this, Kevin Rooney for the Ministry of Defence said there was no evidence what bullet killed Mrs Thompson.
He argued: "There are other possibilities while it is consistent with a high velocity bullet it is also consistent with a low velocity shot."
Ms Quinlivan concluded her questioning by putting it to Soldier D "you are responsible for her death".
Under questioning by counsel for the Ministry of Defence, Soldier D said he could not say exactly where the gunman he claimed he saw was. He did say he believed his life was in immediate danger and said "I fired at the source of the threat".
It was put to the soldier that where Kathleen Thompson was in the garden he could not have seen her and this was accepted.
Mr Rooney said: "There is a possibility one of your shots may have killed Kathleen Thompson?"
Soldier D replied: "I have to accept that possibility."
Mr Rooney: "How do you feel about the fact one of your shots may have killed her?"
Soldier D said: "I would be devastated."
The inquest continues.
