Soldier's shots were 'justified'

The inquiry is examining the events of 30 January 1972

A former Parachute Regiment soldier has said one of his colleagues was justified in firing at a man in Londonderry on Bloody Sunday.

Sergeant 014 told the Saville Inquiry that he and some of the soldiers in his section could see a man crawling towards the Rossville Flats with what appeared to be a rifle.

The witness said one of the soldiers beside him fired two shots at the man, but did not know whether he hit him or not.

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

Sergeant 014 said he did not give any orders adding: "I did not have to."

"Faced with a man carrying a weapon who was about to be in a crowd of people in a matter of seconds, the soldier was justified in shooting," he added.

The soldier described seeing members of the crowd dragging one man into the flats, while another scrambled in by himself.

"I remember abuse shouted from the doorway. I don't remember any shooting from the doorway," he added.

'All hell breaking loose'

Soldier 014, who was a section commander in Guinness Force, said their role was to move into the Bogside to arrest rioters.

He described how a shot was fired at their assembly point at the Presbyterian church in Great James Street before they went into the Bogside.

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

But he denied that the shot, which struck a wall of the building changed the mood of the soldiers before they confronted the crowd.

Soldier 014 said as they moved into Rossville Street it was clear "all hell was breaking loose".

"I heard shooting. I could not pinpoint where the shots were coming from by the noise.

"I sent the men in my section who were just carrying baton sticks, back to our vehicle to get their SLRs (rifles)," he added.

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 evidence from military witnesses and others in London because of concerns for their safety.

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

Lord Saville 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.