I'm not sure that it's really sunk in that we're here now

Bloody Sunday victim's brother to see ex-paratrooper face trial

- BY DAVID YOUNG

THE brother of a man killed on Bloody Sunday says it is still sinking in that a former paratrooper accused of the murder is to finally face trial.

Soldier F, who cannot be identified, is accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney when members of the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 civil rights protesters in Derry's Bogside.

He is also charged with five attempted murders during the incident on January 30, 1972 - namely of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon, Patrick O'Donnell and a person unknown.

The long-awaited trial of the military veteran, who has pleaded not guilty to the seven counts, is due to begin at Belfast Crown Court today.

The non-jury case will be heard by Judge Patrick Lynch.

The Wray and McKinney families are expected to be joined by a large group of supporters as they walk to the court.

Ahead of the trial commencing, William McKinney's brother Mickey summed up his feelings.