Outrage as two former soldiers set to be prosecuted for allegedly murdering IRA man 44 years ago
The men – known only as Soldiers A and C – are pensioners living in England
OUTRAGE erupted last night after two former soldiers were told they will be prosecuted for allegedly murdering an IRA commander 44 years ago.
The men, known only as Soldiers A and C, are now pensioners and live in England. Both are expected to appear in court in Northern Ireland early in the new year.
They are accused of killing Joe McCann, who had been one of the IRA’s most prominent activists when he was shot dead aged 24 at the height of the Troubles in 1972.
Yesterday’s decision stemmed from an internal review by Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGrory, a former defence lawyer whose clients included Gerry Adams.
It came days after The Sun revealed up to 1,000 ex-servicemen face being investigated over killings during the Troubles. Files on the 1972 Bloody Sunday shootings by soldiers in Derry are currently with the Public Prosecution Service.
But furious MPs have demanded Theresa May “get a grip” and rush through new powers to stop the witch-hunt against ex-soldiers.
Ex-Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham said the inquiry threatens to derail the peace process. He added: “No other country in the world would tolerate this situation. The Prime Minister needs to come before Parliament and tell MPs she is bringing this to an end.”
And DUP MP Ian Paisley said: “This makes me sick to my stomach. We were told there would be no witch-hunt, but it’s started today.
“The IRA boys got ‘comfort’ letters; the Government must now say there will be no prosecutions of our soldiers.”
Gunned down in killer hunt
REPUBLICAN hitman Joe McCann was gunned down by paratroopers as he resisted being arrested for murder.
The terror chief — known as ‘The Che Guevara of the IRA’ — was a wanted man after using children to lure Royal Green Jackets into an ambush in 1971 killing one soldier.
McCann, 24, commander of IRA Third Belfast Battalion, became a pin-up for the cause after he was photographed brandishing a rifle while battling troops in a bakery siege.
The devoted Marxist was also implicated in the attempted assassination of Ulster Unionist John Taylor in February 1972.
Five days of rioting followed McCann’s death that April.
The IRA shot five British soldiers, killing three, as an act of revenge.
A total of 156 IRA suspects enjoy total immunity as part of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement struck by former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
McCann had been seen as an iconic figure by some republicans. By 1970, he was an IRA commander known for being involved in gun battles with British soldiers.
In August 1971 his men took over Inglis bakery in the Markets area of Belfast and held out against 600 soldiers. He was photographed during the stand-off holding an M1 carbine as the building burned.
In the years that followed he became Special Branch’s Most Wanted, but defied orders from IRA chiefs to come to Dublin and instead remained in Belfast.
On April 15, 1972, he was spotted by the Royal Ulster Constabulary, who reported his location to British Paras manning a road block.
McCann fled when told he was under arrest and was shot dead. He was found to be unarmed.
The three Paras investigated at the time by the RUC were told they would face no further action.
But the case was reopened in 2012 by the Historical Enquiries Team, which led to a finding that it had been an unlawful killing.
Soldiers A and C were informed yesterday that prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to bring them to court. The third soldier — Soldier B — has passed away.
The news was welcomed by relatives of McCann. Solicitor Kevin Winters, speaking for his widow Aine, said: “This is some measure of justice after all these years.”
No10 yesterday said it was not appropriate to comment on live legal proceedings.
But a Government spokeswoman said: “Any member of the military affected by this case will rightly be supported throughout and receive free MoD legal representation.”
Soldier A: 'No way to be treated'
SOLDIER A is now 67 and has hired lawyers to help clear his name.
Philip Barden, from Devonshires Solicitors, said: “He is appalled by this decision.
“Both soldiers were assured by the Historical Enquiries Team that they would not be charged.
“Now 44 years on they are accused of murder.
“This is no way to treat those who serve our country.”
Mr Barden said politicians must consider what message it sends to “those who we ask to undertake the most difficult of tasks and who are often very young”.
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Speaking earlier, Soldier C said the emotional strain around the investigation had taken its toll.
He added: “Nobody will ever convince me that my actions on that day were anything other than the right actions.
“I did my duty when I was called upon to do so. But all these years later, I’ve been brought to this.”
MP Mr Paisley called for action to support the men.
He said: “Our troops put their lives on the line to defend us and it is important our Government stands on their side.”
Another ex-soldier was charged last year with an unrelated Troubles killing. Retired Corporal Major Dennis Hutchings, from Cornwall, was accused of an attempted murder in Co Tyrone in 1974.
Soldier C: 'Scared for my family'
THE ex-Para and special forces hero won the British Empire Medal.
He rose to the rank of warrant officer during 23 years of service and is now a 65-year-old grandad living in Hampshire.
He said: “All I ever tried to do was serve loyally and professionally.
“Suspected terrorists are walking free yet soldiers are living in fear of arrest. It weighs on us more and more each day.
“There’s also the stigma to my reputation and the impact on my family. My wife couldn’t cope if I was locked up.”