John McDevitt loses appeal against murder conviction of British soldier

Speaking following the judgement on Friday, McDevitt said: “While I am disappointed with the Court of Appeal judgement today, I am not deterred in my campaign to clear my name.”

“I maintain my innocence in relation to this murder conviction and the other four offences, including wounding of other soldiers,” he added.

“I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank my family, supporters and legal team who have supported me throughout this appeal and indeed over the past 43 years in my pursuit for justice, and the people of Derry who have always accepted my innocence.”

SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood, who attended court on Friday with McDevitt’s family, has said that he will continue to support them in his fight to clear his name.

“Today’s verdict is extremely disappointing for John McDevitt, who has fought for more than 40 years to clear his name,” Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said.

“He spent over a decade of his life in prison and, whatever today’s verdict, there remain significant questions about his conviction and the way his case was handled.

“John has already indicated that he will continue the fight to clear his name and he has my full support.”