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Seven British Army veterans at the centre of historic Northern Ireland allegations from the Troubles could have cases against them dropped - after a separate murder trial of two soldiers collapsed for relying on old statements.
The Public Prosecution Service, based in Belfast, is re-examining files on the former soldiers, who were either being considered for charge or already proceeding through the courts.
They are specifically checking whether any of the cases rely on statements from the Historic Enquiries Team, a now disbanded police group which had looked at British services roles in deaths during the Northern Ireland conflict.
It comes after the murder trial of two veterans over the shooting of IRA commander Joe McCann collapsed last week, with them being formerly acquitted yesterday.
Joe McCann, 24, was shot dead as he ran from police and Army in Belfast in 1972
Two former paratroopers had been in court charged with the historical killing
But judge said statements made by the men could not be used against them
He said it was remarkable that two ex-soldiers weren t interviewed by the PSNI
Following acquittal lawyers have called for inquiry into decision to prosecute
Sacked minister Johnny Mercer to lead respect our veterans march through London on May 8 after daughter of soldier shot dead in The Troubles tells of joy as trial of troops accused of murdering IRA leader COLLAPSES
Johnny Mercer expressed frustration at a lack of progress on legislation to protect British veterans who served during the Troubles from prosecution
Soldier A and Soldier C accused of murdering Official IRA leader Joe McCann
A judge in the landmark trial of ruled crucial evidence inadmissible yesterday
Mercer last night announced he would be helping to organise a march on May 8
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But the Crown lawyer said the statement had a provenance and had been located in original case files that were re-examined by the police s historical inquiries team in 2010.
He said a gateway had been established to admit it as hearsay evidence to the trial with the agreement of both the defence and prosecution.
The family of Joe McCann arrive at Laganside Court with Solicitor Niall Murphy on Monday morning
Joe McCann s long IRA career in full over just seven years of attacks
1965 - Joins the IRA at the age of 17
Dec 3, 1965 - Convicted of possessing Army bayonets and being an IRA member and was sentenced to a year in prison.