Belfast, Northern Ireland – The Ministry of Defence (MoD) faces mounting pressure to explain its knowledge of a British army video that potentially captures the fatal shooting of Co Derry man, Francis Bradley. The video came to light recently during an inquest into the circumstances surrounding Bradley’s death, allegedly at the hands of the SAS near Toome in February 1986.
Bradley, who was 20 years old at the time of his death, was fatally shot in close proximity to an arms depot. He later became a part of the IRA’s roll of honor. Prior testimonies during the ongoing inquest revealed that Bradley had expressed concerns about being threatened by police before the fatal incident.
Coroner Peter Irvine, also a Crown Court judge, was informed during a recent hearing that a former British soldier, identified as Soldier U, had described viewing a video captured by a helicopter showing the shooting incident. The video allegedly depicts soldiers moving towards the farmhouse, potentially holding crucial evidence about Bradley’s death.
Karen Quinlivan KC, representing the Bradley family, raised queries about the timeline of when the MoD first became aware of the video’s existence. Concerns were also raised about the delay in sharing this information with relevant parties involved in the inquest, highlighting potential lapses in transparency and cooperation.
During the hearing, Irvine mentioned that the information about the video was only brought to his attention recently, indicating a breakdown in communication between involved parties. Quinlivan emphasized the importance of addressing these issues promptly and transparently to ensure a fair and thorough investigation into Bradley’s death.
In response, a representative for the MoD assured the court that efforts were underway to locate the video and provide necessary assurances to the coroner. The delay in sharing crucial information and the need for a comprehensive explanation regarding the handling of the video underscore the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the case. As the inquest progresses, the spotlight remains on the MoD to address these concerns and uphold transparency in the pursuit of justice for Francis Bradley.