LONDON, United Kingdom – The Ministry of Defence (MoD) faces pressure to clarify its awareness of a video that purportedly captures the shooting of a Co Derry man by the SAS. The video’s existence was revealed during an inquest into the death of Francis Bradley, who was shot near an arms depot in Toome in February 1986 and posthumously honored by the IRA.
Last week, coroner Peter Irvine was informed that a former British soldier, identified as Soldier U, mentioned in a statement that a helicopter recorded the shooting, which he later viewed. According to Soldier U, the footage shows soldiers advancing toward a farmhouse, potentially during the engagement leading to Bradley’s death.
During a recent hearing, Karen Quinlivan KC, representing the Bradley family, raised concerns over when the MoD became aware of the video. She questioned the delay in notifying the Coroners Service about the video’s existence and demanded transparency on the actions taken to secure the footage.
Coroner Peter Irvine, expressing surprise at the late disclosure of the video’s existence, admitted that he had only learned of it recently. Quinlivan pointed out that multiple parties to the inquest were unaware of the video, except the MoD, suggesting a lack of transparency on the matter.
In response, an MoD lawyer assured that efforts were underway to locate the video and promised to provide an update on the progress. The delayed revelation of the video raised suspicions of a cover-up, prompting demands for a thorough explanation from the MoD.
As the inquest into Bradley’s death continues, the spotlight remains on the MoD’s handling of the video and the implications it may have on the investigation. Calls for transparency and accountability have intensified, as the search for the truth behind Bradley’s death persists.