LONDON, UK – The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is under scrutiny to clarify its knowledge of a British army video that potentially captures the moment when the SAS fatally shot a man in Co Derry. The video’s existence was brought to light during an ongoing inquest regarding the suspected shoot-to-kill operation that led to the death of Francis Bradley. Bradley, aged 20 at the time, was shot near an arms dump close to Toome in February 1986, and his name was later added to the IRA’s roll of honour.
At a recent hearing, coroner Peter Irvine, who also serves as a Crown Court judge, was informed that a former British soldier, known as Soldier U, alleged that a helicopter recorded a video of the shooting, which he subsequently viewed. According to Soldier U’s statement, the video footage includes soldiers advancing towards a farmhouse, possibly during the incident in which Francis Bradley was killed.
During the hearing, Karen Quinlivan KC, representing the Bradley family, raised concerns about the timeline of when the British military became aware of the video’s existence. She pressed for clarification on the steps taken by the MoD prior to this point to obtain the video. Quinlivan emphasized the significance of this matter and urged for immediate action in securing the footage.
Coroner Irvine admitted to only learning of the video’s existence recently, raising questions about why the statement was not disclosed earlier. Quinlivan criticized the delay in sharing critical information and demanded transparency regarding the delay in addressing the video’s discovery.
A lawyer representing the MoD assured the court that efforts were underway to ascertain the status of the video tape and pledged to consult with relevant parties to determine next steps. The lack of timely disclosure and transparency surrounding the video’s existence has sparked controversy, with calls for accountability and a thorough explanation of the delay in addressing this crucial piece of evidence.
The ongoing inquest into the death of Francis Bradley has been marked by challenges and revelations, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in addressing sensitive and potentially incriminating evidence in cases involving military operations. The quest for truth and justice for the Bradley family continues as the inquiry unfolds.