British soldier convicted for the death of innocent Irish civilian!

 

A very rare conviction of a British soldier serving in Northern Ireland for the death of an innocent Irish civilian. The ex-soldier, David Jonathan Holden, 53, shot dead Aidan McAnespie, 23, when he was crossing a check point, on 21 February 1988. He was convicted of manslaughter, but as yet to be sentenced. The former soldier, claimed his finger slipped on the machine gun.

McAnespie, was on his way to a Gaelic football match when he crossed the checkpoint at Aughnacloy, County Tyrone. The British army considered McAnespie, a "person of interest" a potential IRA member, but he was unarmed.

Despite crimes of this nature, the British government are pressing ahead with legislation that effectively proposes an amnesty for British soldiers accused of killing or maiming people during the 30-year troubles.

Although the family of Aidan McAnespie (see picture above), welcomed the verdict, it angered veterans groups, who along with Conservative MPs, denounced the prosecution as vexatious.

What some might find curious, is that while Holden is facing a possible prison sentence for manslaughter, countless IRA fugitives who were wanted for terrorist offences during the 30-year troubles, were effectively amnestied by Tony Blair under the Good Friday Agreement in 1988. Many who were convicted of terrorist offences, were also released from prison. Holden is expected to appeal.