A man charged in connection with the murder of two soldiers in Enniskillen in 1972 has been committed to trial.

John Downey waAlfed and Irene Johnston and their daughter Cynthia.Alfed and Irene Johnston and their daughter Cynthia. (Image: Impartial Reporter) s extradited from the Republic of Ireland to face the murders of the two Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) soldiers Lance Corporal Alfred Johnston (32) and Private James Eames (33).

The two soldiers died when an IRA bomb exploded in a car they were checking on Irvinestown Road, Cherrymount, on August 25 1972.

Downey appeared at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday, September 4.

Following the hearing the family of Mr. Johnston released a statement to The Impartial Reporter.

They said: "Our father was a hard-working man holding down two jobs to support our family. He was a kind considerate man. He was a good father and neighbour, and a good husband to our late mum. He was only 32 years old when he was murdered at Cherrymount, Enniskillen on August 25, 1972.

"He enjoyed fishing and was very good at it bringing home on many occasions dinner and tea.

"He had an interest in motorbikes and cars but his greatest interest was his young family. Dad's interests were taken away from him on August 25, 1972.

"It's now over 52 years since dad was murdered but the memories and the grief remain vivid.

"Our family welcome the news today that Mr. Downey will be committed to the Crown Court for trial for the murder of our dad.

"We would like to thank the current Public Prosecution Service team and PSNI that worked on our dads case to get it to where it is now. However, we are disappointed that our dads case could not have been moved to the current position by previous prosecutors and the PSNI.

"We will not be making any further comment in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing pending court proceedings and due process."

Barry O’Donnell family solicitor for the Johnston family added: ‘This has been a long journey for the family and the legal journey continues with the committal of Mr. Downey.

"It's proof that families should not give up on justice and that the Legacy Act is a folly needing rescinded."

In 2013, Downey was charged with murdering four Royal Household Cavalrymen in a bomb in London's Hyde Park in 1982.

He stood trial at the Old Bailey, but the case dramatically collapsed after it was revealed he had received a written assurance from former prime minister Tony Blair's government that he was not actively wanted by the authorities.

The letter was issued under the terms of the controversial On The Runs (OTRs) scheme.