Furious army hero hounded for IRA fiend Joe McCann’s death claims ‘he was just doing his job’
The 67-year-old ex-paratrooper, known as Soldier A, has opened up about finding out he will be prosecuted for murder of IRA commander 44 years ago
A HERO soldier being hounded over the death of an IRA gunman 44 years ago says he is being treated like a terrorist.
The 67-year-old ex-paratrooper, known only as Soldier A, has for the first time described his “betrayal” at the hands of Britain’s government.
He said: “I’ve done nothing wrong, I was just doing my job.”
The retired grandad was with a group of soldiers who shot and killed hitman Joe McCann in 1972.
Soldier A served 23 years in the Armed Forces with an unblemished record and, until last week, planned a well-deserved retirement.
But his life is now “on hold” after the case was re-opened in 2012 by the Historical Enquiries Team, which is pursuing a number of soldiers.
That saw a finding that the killing of McCann, 24, commander of IRA Third Belfast Battalion, was unlawful.
Now the decorated ex- Para, whose wife died last year, faces the prospect of a “retirement” behind bars.
He said: “I’m being treated like a terrorist. It’s disgusting and the Government’s doing nothing about this political witch-hunt. I feel betrayed.
“To be told you will be charged with murder 44 years after the incident has been a shock to the system.
“Until last week I was looking forward to retiring and taking a few holidays abroad. But life’s on hold now. I’d like a minister to stand up in Parliament and say something.”
Soldier A added: “A letter at the time said no action would be taken.
“Now I’ve been treated with contempt by the Northern Ireland prosecution system.”