Delivering his judgment at Belfast Crown Court, Judge Patrick Lynch said the evidence presented against the veteran fell “well short” of what was required for conviction.
In the packed public gallery at court 12, gathered relatives of the Bloody Sunday victims gave no visible response as the veteran was found not guilty on all counts.
There was also no reaction from those in the public gallery supporting the former paratrooper.
Soldier F had been accused of the murders of James Wray and William McKinney on Bloody Sunday, regarded as one of the darkest days of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Some 13 people were shot dead by the Parachute Regiment on the day.
17.
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 23rd October 2025 Verdict is expected today in the trial of a former British soldier accused of murdering two people on Bloody Sunday in Derry in 1972.Families of the Bloody Sunday victims arrive at Laganside Courts in Belfast for the verdict on Soldier F. Photo: presseye
18. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 23rd October 2025Verdict is expected today in the trial of a former British soldier accused of murdering two people on Bloody Sunday in Derry in 1972.Families of the Bloody Sunday victims arrive at Laganside Courts in Belfast for the verdict on Soldier F.Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
Verdict is expected today in the trial of a former British soldier accused of murdering two people on Bloody Sunday in Derry in 1972.Families of the Bloody Sunday victims arrive at Laganside Courts in Belfast for the verdict on Soldier F. Photo: presseye
19. PACEMAKER BELFAST Archive Soldier F is to be charged with the murder of William McKinney (left) and James Wray (right). The case of the Army veteran facing a murder trial over Bloody Sunday is due in court for the first time on Wednesday. Soldier F, now in his 60s, is unlikely to appear in person at Londonderry Magistrates' Court. Instead, his legal team is expected to challenge the case against him at an initial hearing which will be procedural in nature.
PACEMAKER BELFAST Archive Soldier F has been charged with the murder of William McKinney (left) and James Wray (right). Photo: pacemaker