Former British soldier David Holden was found guilty of a historic offence in Northern Ireland following the Good Friday Agreement
Aiden McAnespie, was allegedly shot 34 years ago en route to a football game and was man slaughtered by him. He was found guilty on Friday, November 25.
Know Who Is British Soldier David Holden Found Guilty Of Killing Aiden McAnespie In Northern Ireland
BREAKING: Former British soldier David Holden (52) found guilty of manslaughter of Aidan McAnespie in Tyrone 34 years ago. He’s the first British veteran to be convicted of a historical offence in Northern Ireland since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. pic.twitter.com/e5k5cGLn6C
— David Blevins (@skydavidblevins) November 25, 2022
Who is David Holden?
The court learned that Holden had pulled the trigger on a machine gun while aiming it at Mr McAnespie, presuming the gun wasn’t cocked. After a 34-year wait, the verdict on Friday, according to McAnespie’s family, brought them some relief. “I’m thinking of my father and mother who prayed and prayed for this day and they’re not here to see it,” his brother Sean McAnespie said. “As a family, we are very relieved and happy that we have such a big family, community, and relations, to help us through this.”
To decide Holden’s punishment, a hearing will be held in 2023.
David Holden: Who Is He?
Former British soldier David Jonathan Holden was born in 1970.
He began his first day of checkpoint duty in 1988 while a member of the Grenadier Guards. At the age of 18, he fired at 23-year-old IRA suspect Aiden McAnespie. The judge judged Holden’s claim to be fraudulent, stating that “Holden had presented an intentionally false version of what transpired.” Holden acknowledged firing the gun but claimed that he did it accidentally because his hands were moist.
Holden was fined approximately £370 by his commanding officer in December 1988. He was fined after the Army accused him of violating Section 69 of the Army Act 1955 by “prejudice to good order and military discipline.”
Mr McAnespie Lawyer
“We appreciate this ruling which offers all victims’ families here hope that the courts remain open to families seeking justice,” said Darragh Mackin, the family’s attorney for Mr McAnespie.
But Paul Young, national spokesman for the Northern Ireland Veterans Movement, stated: “It’s not over for David yet. His team, as far as I’m aware, are going to appeal the decision, and I think eventually, if necessary, go to the Supreme Court. Veterans will be deeply disappointed by this verdict, and I’m saddened by it.”
The administration announced on Wednesday that it would propose changes, including a “more robust process” granting immunity from prosecution.
BREAKING: Former British soldier David Holden found guilty of manslaughter of Aidan McAnespie in Northern Ireland during the Troubles in 1988.@skydavidblevins has the latest.
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