Ex-soldier faces contempt charge

The inquiry is examining the events of 30 January 1972

A former soldier is to be reported to the High Court for being in contempt of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry.

Soldier L was served with a subpoena on Monday ordering him to be at Central Hall by 0900 BST on Wednesday. However, he failed to appear.

The inquiry is examining the events of 30 January 1972 when 13 civilians were shot dead by soldiers during a civil rights march in Londonderry. Another man died later from his injuries.

The Saville Inquiry heard on Tuesday that Soldier L had indicated he would not turn up to give evidence.

He has also refused to come to the inquiry on Thursday.

Tribunal chairman Lord Saville said that he had no alternative but to start the process of reporting Soldier L to the High Court for contempt. This could result in him being sent to prison.

Soldier L is due to give controversial evidence to the tribunal.

In his statement, he said he witnessed another soldier stand over a man and repeatedly shoot him.

Lord Saville's inquiry moved to London in 2002 over security fears

He also alleged he saw Bishop Edward Daly putting two rifles inside his coat.

Meanwhile, another soldier has insisted that he saw at least three gunmen on Bloody Sunday.

Soldier 1990 said he saw the gunmen in the area of the Rossville Flats and that one of them was sitting down with a rifle in his lap.

Seamus Treacy QC, representing the families, suggested to Soldier 1990 that he was a liar or a fantasist but he insisted that he had a clear memory of seeing the gunmen.

The tribunal is sitting at Central Hall in London for about six weeks before returning to the Guildhall in Derry as it enters its final stages.

It has been hearing the evidence from military witnesses and others in London because of concerns for their safety.

Lord Saville has already heard evidence from almost 800 witnesses, including the prime minister in 1972, Sir Edward Heath.

Lord Saville of Newdigate and the Commonwealth judges accompanying him on the Bloody Sunday inquiry began their work nearly four years ago.

They are not expected to report back until next year.