Ex-paratroopers deny 1972 murder of Official IRA man

Two former paratroopers deny murdering a man in Northern Ireland almost 50 years ago, a court has heard.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Apr 2021, 10:21 BST
Updated 26th Apr 2021, 11:18 BST
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Official IRA member Joe McCann, 24, died after being shot in the Markets area of Belfast in 1972.

The veterans, referred to in court proceedings as Soldiers A and C, entered not guilty pleas at the start of their trial at Belfast Crown Court on Monday.

They will remain anonymous throughout the proceedings.

Veterans and supporters of the two paratroopers pictured at the court. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEyeVeterans and supporters of the two paratroopers pictured at the court. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
Veterans and supporters of the two paratroopers pictured at the court. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
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The two men wore suits and face masks and were seated at the side of the courtroom, in an area usually reserved for the jury.

The trial is expected to last four weeks.

It is one of a number of legacy cases, referring to incidents which took place before the signing of the Belfast Agreement in 1998, on which Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service has taken decisions.

Former veterans minister Johnny Mercer is also attending Belfast Crown Court to watch the proceedings.

Danny Kinahan(left), Veteran's Commissioner for Northern Ireland and former Defence Minister Johnny Mercer MP arrive at the court. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEyeDanny Kinahan(left), Veteran's Commissioner for Northern Ireland and former Defence Minister Johnny Mercer MP arrive at the court. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
Danny Kinahan(left), Veteran's Commissioner for Northern Ireland and former Defence Minister Johnny Mercer MP arrive at the court. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

The ex-Army officer left his ministerial role last week after expressing frustration at a lack of progress on legislation to protect British veterans who served during the Troubles from prosecution.

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The Conservative MP was accompanied in court by Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner Danny Kinahan.

Mr Mercer said the trial of the two former soldiers is “unfair”.

“I think in any conflict, it is messy, it is unpleasant, it is a horrible process to go through for both sides,” he added.

Tory MP and former Army captain Johnny MercerTory MP and former Army captain Johnny Mercer
Tory MP and former Army captain Johnny Mercer

“What I don’t think is – 50 years later – you get a truly accurate picture of what happened.

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“I think it is unfair to try and apply today’s standards of operations and retrospectively apply them to that time and try to get justice.

“I have huge sympathy on all sides but we need to move on in Northern Ireland.

“What is happening today, I don’t think is fair and that’s why I am here.

“The reality is today, as we stand here, there are two individuals in court for something that happened 50 years ago.

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“They served their country, they did their best. War is messy and we need to find a solution for everybody.”

Mr Mercer denied he is “interfering” in the trial, adding he is there to “learn about the process”.

A small group of protesters, some dressed in military uniform, were picketing outside the court in Belfast ahead of the trial.

Demonstrators held banners expressing opposition to historical prosecution of former British soldiers.