'It doesn't stack up..'

Evidence against Lawyer argues Soldier F is queried in Bloody Sunday

- BY REBECCA BLACK

THE evidence against a former paratrooper accused of the murder of two men on Bloody Sunday "simply doesn't stack up", Belfast Crown Court heard yesterday.

The veteran, referred to as Soldier F, is charged with the murders of James Wray and William McKinney during disorder following a civil rights parade in Derry on January 30, 1972.

Thirteen people were shot dead by the Parachute Regiment on the day

Soldier F is also accused of attempting to murder Michael Quinn, Patrick O'Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon and an unknown person.

He has pleaded not guilty to the seven counts. Soldier F sits in court behind a curtain each day of the non-jury trial, which began last month.

Key evidence described as "decisive" by the prosecution includes statements by former paratroopers known as Soldier G and Soldier H.

Their accounts place Soldier F in Glenfada Park North, and allege that he had opened fire.

The two veterans have not been able to be cross examined on their previous statements during this trial because Soldier G has died while H has indicated he will exercise his right against self-incrimination if summoned.