SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed a judgment from Lady Chief Justice Siobhan Keegan quashing a decision by the Public Prosecution Service to discontinue the case against Soldier F.
The Foyle MP said that his thoughts are with the families of Jackie Duddy, Michael Kelly, John Young, Michael McDaid and Bernard McGuigan who did not receive the news they wanted today.
Colum Eastwood MP said:
“I welcome the judgment made by Lady Chief Justice Keegan today. The decision to discontinue the prosecution of Soldier F caused deep hurt among victims and their families in Derry but today’s ruling makes clear that the rationale for the decision was also flawed.
“The admissibility of previous testimony is an issue which could be determined by a judge at trial. The PPS must now seriously reconsider its decision to discontinue the prosecution.
“While this will give hope to the families of William McKinney and James Wray, who have been campaigning for justice with dignity for decades, I am keenly aware that there are others who will be bitterly disappointed today. My thoughts are with the families of Jackie Duddy, Michael Kelly, John Young, Michael McDaid and Bernard McGuigan. I know that they will continue to defend the dignity and memory of their family members.
“People were murdered on the streets of our city. They deserve justice, their families deserve justice. And the SDLP will always stand shoulder to shoulder with them.”