The Way this Prosecution of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Not Guilty Verdict

Youths in a confrontation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a stand-off with military personnel on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 stands as among the deadliest – and consequential – occasions during multiple decades of unrest in this area.

In the streets where it happened – the memories of Bloody Sunday are visible on the structures and embedded in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was organized on a chilly yet clear day in the city.

The demonstration was opposing the system of detention without trial – imprisoning people without legal proceedings – which had been established following an extended period of conflict.

Fr Edward Daly used a blood-stained handkerchief in an effort to defend a crowd moving a teenager, the injured teenager
Fr Edward Daly used a bloodied fabric while attempting to protect a group carrying a teenager, the fatally wounded youth

Troops from the elite army unit killed thirteen individuals in the district – which was, and remains, a predominantly republican population.

One image became notably memorable.

Pictures showed a religious figure, Father Daly, waving a stained with blood white handkerchief while attempting to defend a crowd carrying a youth, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.

Journalists recorded much footage on the day.

Documented accounts includes Fr Daly telling a journalist that military personnel "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no justification for the gunfire.

Individuals in the Bogside area being marched towards arrest by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the Bogside area being directed to custody by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

That version of events wasn't accepted by the original examination.

The first investigation found the military had been fired upon initially.

Throughout the negotiation period, the ruling party set up another inquiry, in response to advocacy by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a inadequate investigation.

That year, the report by the investigation said that on balance, the soldiers had discharged weapons initially and that zero among the casualties had presented danger.

At that time head of state, David Cameron, expressed regret in the government chamber – declaring deaths were "improper and unjustifiable."

Relatives of the deceased of the Bloody Sunday fatalities march from the Bogside area of Londonderry to the civic building carrying pictures of their family members
Kin of the casualties of the 1972 incident shootings march from the district of Londonderry to the municipal center displaying images of their family members

Law enforcement began to look into the matter.

One former paratrooper, referred to as Soldier F, was charged for killing.

Indictments were filed concerning the fatalities of James Wray, twenty-two, and in his mid-twenties William McKinney.

The defendant was further implicated of seeking to harm several people, additional persons, further individuals, another person, and an unknown person.

Exists a legal order protecting the veteran's anonymity, which his attorneys have argued is necessary because he is at threat.

He stated to the Saville Inquiry that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at people who were carrying weapons.

The statement was dismissed in the concluding document.

Evidence from the examination could not be used directly as evidence in the criminal process.

In court, the accused was hidden from public with a blue curtain.

He spoke for the initial occasion in the proceedings at a session in that month, to respond "not guilty" when the charges were put to him.

Family members and advocates of the deceased on that day hold a banner and images of those killed
Family members and supporters of the deceased on Bloody Sunday hold a sign and photographs of the deceased

Kin of the deceased on that day travelled from Derry to the judicial building every day of the trial.

One relative, whose sibling was fatally wounded, said they always knew that listening to the trial would be difficult.

"I visualize all details in my memory," John said, as we visited the primary sites mentioned in the case – from the street, where Michael was killed, to the nearby the area, where the individual and another victim were fatally wounded.

"It even takes me back to my position that day.

"I participated in moving the victim and place him in the vehicle.

"I relived every moment during the evidence.

"Despite enduring all that – it's still valuable for me."

James Wray (left) and Another victim (right) were part of who were fatally wounded on Bloody Sunday
Shirley Cannon
Shirley Cannon

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger passionate about sharing insights on innovation and well-being.