Inquiry's reserve judge resigns

Thirteen people died in Bloody Sunday shootings

The Bloody Sunday Inquiry's reserve judge, Mr Justice William Esson, has resigned on medical advice.

The inquiry is examining the events of 30 January 1972 when British soldiers opened fire on a civil rights march in Londonderry.

Thirteen people were killed on the day and a fourteenth man died later.

Mr Justice Esson was appointed to the tribunal in November 2000.

In a resignation letter to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Dr John Reid, he said: "Since returning to Vancouver for the inquiry's summer recess, I have taken medical advice.

Lord Saville: "We are saddened to learn of resignation"

"I have been advised by my doctors that my health is such that I should tender my resignation.

"I have reluctantly concluded that I should follow that advice and for that reason resign my position.

"I now write to advise you accordingly, which I do with great regret."

Lord Saville, chairman of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry Tribunal, said: "We are saddened to learn of Mr Justice Esson's resignation and are concerned for his health.

"We are grateful for his services to the inquiry and wish him well for the future."

The two other members of the tribunal are Mr William Hoyt, a former Chief Justice from Canada and the Hon Mr John Toohey.

The government has said that given the advanced stage of the inquiry, Mr Justice Esson, would not be replaced.

The inquiry's oral hearings resume on Monday 3, September.

The Bloody Sunday inquiry was established in 1998 and is expected to run for another two years.