By Press Association 2021
Joe McCann murder trial
An IRA leader shot dead by paratroopers in Belfast almost 50 years ago had allegedly been responsible for murdering 15 British soldiers, the trial of two veterans has heard.
On-the-run Official IRA commander Joe McCann, 24, was killed in the shooting in the Markets area of Belfast in April, 1972.
Forty nine years later, two former paratroopers, known as soldiers A and C, have gone on trial for his murder at Belfast Crown Court.
On the opening day of the non-jury trial, a prosecution lawyer told judge Mr Justice O’Hara the veterans had not been legally justified in opening fire on Mr McCann as he ran away from them.
Two British army veterans go on trial for shooting IRA man 50 years ago Joe McCann (24) was allegedly responsible for murder of 15 British soldiers
about 3 hours ago
Army Veterans protest outside Belfast Crown Court, in Belfast, on Monday as the trial opened of two former soldiers charged with the murder of Joe McCann almost 50 years ago. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images
An IRA leader shot dead by paratroopers in Belfast almost 50 years ago had allegedly been responsible for murdering 15 British soldiers, the trial of two veterans has heard.
On-the-run Official IRA commander Joe McCann (24), was killed in the shooting in the Markets area of Belfast in April, 1972.
By Press Association 2021
Joe McCann murder trial
An IRA leader shot dead by paratroopers in Belfast almost 50 years ago had allegedly been responsible for murdering 15 British soldiers, the trial of two veterans has heard.
On-the-run Official IRA commander Joe McCann, 24, was killed in the shooting in the Markets area of Belfast in April, 1972.
Forty nine years later, two former paratroopers, known as soldiers A and C, have gone on trial for his murder at Belfast Crown Court.
On the opening day of the non-jury trial, a prosecution lawyer told judge Mr Justice O’Hara the veterans had not been legally justified in opening fire on Mr McCann as he ran away from them.
What was the court told about the shooting?
A prosecution lawyer told the court that Mr McCann was a senior member of the Official IRA who was suspected of involvement in a number of attacks carried out by the republican group.
He said the shooting took place after an RUC Special Branch Officer attempted to arrest him on Joy Street in the Markets area of Belfast. Mr McCann evaded detention and ran away.
The republican was “at the very top of the three-star list of people who were wanted for arrest”, according to the evidence provided at the time of the shooting by the Special Branch officer.
IRA man shot by paratroopers responsible for murdering 15 soldiers court told westerntelegraph.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from westerntelegraph.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.