Prosecution 'must follow' Saville

Prosecutions must follow the publication of the Saville report, a solicitor has said.

Greg McCartney, who represents the family of one of the victims of Bloody Sunday, said anyone found responsible for the killings should be prosecuted.

Mr McCartney who was present throughout the Saville Inquiry said he expected a finding of unlawful killing.

"I would be somewhat surprised if a finding tantamount to criminal culpability is not made," he said.

"I acted for the family of James Wray and it was quite clear from the evidence that the tribunal had, that this man was shot in the back twice.

"And a least one of the bullets was administered when he was lying on the ground defenceless."

Last week it was announced the report from the Saville Inquiry would be published on 15 June.

The inquiry by Lord Saville opened at the Guildhall in 1998 and heard evidence from more than 900 people.

The inquiry finished hearing evidence in 2004, with the report initially due for publication the following year.

Mr McCartney said the Wray family felt the "rule of law must be applied and applied equally to all citizens of the United Kingdom and the north of Ireland".

"We have Catholic priests being prosecuted 50 years after the event, Nazi war criminals are still being brought to book," he said.

"I don't see the distinction, unless we say the British Army is immune from the rule of law."

During the Saville Inquiry it emerged that four soldiers had admitted entering Glenfada Park, where James Wray was killed, and firing shots.

"If there is criminal culpability there it is incumbent on the authorities to investigate that culpability and to leave the matter to a jury," said Mr McCartney.

Thirteen people died after paratroopers opened fire during a civil rights march in Londonderry on 30 January 1972. Another person died of his injuries some time later.