A former British soldier who witnessed Bloody Sunday as a civilian
claimed today the killings were "premeditated murder".
Mr Eric Irvine, who had recently left the British army having servedas a private in the Royal Fusiliers on January 30th 1972, told the newinquiry into the shootings: "I was totally ashamed at what the armyhad done that day and I didn't mention to anyone again that I hadserved in the army."
Mr Irvine claimed the first shots he encountered that day were firedfrom the walls of Derry overlooking the Bogside from the east - not the direction of paras who entered the area from the north and opened fire.
He stated: "In my opinion the army engineered it so that it lookedas though they were under fire; however they just went in there andshot 13 unarmed people for no reason. It was premeditated murder.
"There were no casualties at all on the military side and it was amiracle that only 13 civilians were killed."
Under cross-examination at the hearings in the Guildhallhewas challenged about his recollection of events but replied: "Iknow one thing: there were 13 people shot dead in broad daylight.There are hundreds of witnesses. I don't know what you want.
"There were 13 young people, not attached to anything, they werejust out on a protest march and they ended up losing their lives."
PA