Veterans representatives welcome court's ruling

VETERANS will welcome the acquittal of Soldier F, Northern Ireland's advocate for ex-service men and women has said.

- BY REBECCA BLACCK

HEARING Supporters of Soldier F at court

David Johnstone acknowledged the sensitivity of the moment outside Belfast Crown Court yesterday after the former paratrooper was found not guilty of two murders on Bloody Sunday.

The Veterans Commissioner said the case had “brought into sharp focus the deep pain and division that events from over 50 years ago continue to cause”.

Mr Johnstone added: "The veteran community in Northern Ireland will welcome today's outcome based on precedent and similar legacy court cases.