SINN FÉIN has welcomed the decision to proceed with the case of a soldier accused of the manslaughter of Aidan McAnespie.
Lawyers for David Holden, 51, had tried to have the case dismissed before it went to trial.
However Mr Justice O'Hara deemed there was sufficient evidence for the former solder to stand trial for manslaughter.
Mr McAnespie, 23, was shot in the back after he passed a British Army checkpoint on the way to a Gaelic match in February 1988.
'Case to answer'
"I welcome today's (Friday's) ruling that the soldier accused of shooting Aidan McAnespie in Aughnacloy has a case to answer and will stand trial," said Michelle Gildernew, Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh South Tyrone.
"This is a step forward for the family in the campaign for the truth of what happened to Aidan.
"It also highlights the need for the Stormont House Agreement legacy mechanisms to be implemented in full so all families bereaved by the conflict can get access to truth.
"There can be no amnesty for British state forces who murdered Irish citizens.
"The McAnespie family have never faltered in their search for the truth, and I want to commend them for their resilience, commitment, and courage.
"Sinn Féin will continue to stand by the McAnespie family and all those campaigning for truth and justice."
Former Grenadier Guardsman Holden claims his hand was wet and his finger slipped on the trigger of a machine gun.
Three bullets were discharged, one of which ricocheted off the road and hit Mr McAnespie.
The trial is expected to go ahead later this year.
See More: Aidan Mcanespie, British Army, Sinn Féin
