It has emerged that a former British soldier is to be paid up to £40,000 in return for testifying at the Bloody Sunday inquiry in Derry. The payment is one element of a protection programme organised by the tribunal in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Office. The former paratrooper, who is regarded as a key witness, agreed to testify only if arrangements were made to secure his safety.
The payments will include compensation for lost earnings while he is testifying, as well as money to help him buy a house. A solicitor representing some of the families of those killed on Bloody Sunday said that they did not object to the payment if it helped bring out the truth.
