The Way this Legal Case of a Former Soldier Regarding Bloody Sunday Concluded in Acquittal

Youths in a confrontation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a confrontation with army troops on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 is remembered as among the most deadly – and consequential – dates throughout multiple decades of conflict in this area.

In the streets where events unfolded – the legacy of that fateful day are visible on the walls and etched in people's minds.

A civil rights march was held on a cold but bright period in Londonderry.

The demonstration was opposing the policy of internment – imprisoning people without due process – which had been implemented following an extended period of unrest.

Father Daly used a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to protect a crowd transporting a youth, the fatally wounded youth
A Catholic priest displayed a blood-stained handkerchief in an effort to shield a crowd moving a teenager, the injured teenager

Military personnel from the elite army unit shot dead thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and remains, a overwhelmingly nationalist community.

One image became particularly prominent.

Pictures showed a religious figure, the priest, waving a stained with blood fabric as he tried to defend a assembly carrying a youth, the fatally wounded individual, who had been killed.

Media personnel captured considerable film on the day.

Historical records includes Fr Daly explaining to a media representative that soldiers "appeared to fire in all directions" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no provocation for the discharge of weapons.

Protesters in the Bogside area being directed to custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in the Bogside area being taken to custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

This account of the incident was disputed by the first inquiry.

The first investigation found the military had been attacked first.

In the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government set up a new investigation, following pressure by surviving kin, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

In 2010, the report by Lord Saville said that on balance, the paratroopers had initiated shooting and that not one of the casualties had posed any threat.

The then head of state, David Cameron, expressed regret in the Parliament – saying fatalities were "unjustified and unjustifiable."

Kin of the casualties of the 1972 incident killings march from the neighborhood of Derry to the Guildhall holding pictures of their relatives
Kin of the casualties of the tragic event fatalities walk from the Bogside area of Londonderry to the municipal center carrying photographs of their family members

Authorities began to look into the matter.

A military veteran, referred to as Soldier F, was prosecuted for killing.

Accusations were made regarding the fatalities of one victim, in his twenties, and in his mid-twenties the second individual.

Soldier F was further implicated of attempting to murder multiple individuals, other civilians, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.

Exists a legal order preserving the veteran's privacy, which his lawyers have maintained is essential because he is at risk of attack.

He stated to the examination that he had solely shot at individuals who were carrying weapons.

This assertion was dismissed in the final report.

Material from the inquiry would not be used straightforwardly as testimony in the criminal process.

In court, the veteran was hidden from public with a privacy screen.

He made statements for the initial occasion in court at a hearing in that month, to reply "innocent" when the allegations were put to him.

Relatives and advocates of those killed on Bloody Sunday carry a sign and photographs of those killed
Family members and allies of the deceased on that day carry a placard and images of those killed

Family members of the victims on that day journeyed from Derry to Belfast Crown Court every day of the proceedings.

John Kelly, whose brother Michael was died, said they always knew that hearing the case would be difficult.

"I can see everything in my recollection," he said, as we walked around the primary sites mentioned in the proceedings – from Rossville Street, where the victim was killed, to the adjacent the courtyard, where James Wray and the second person were killed.

"It even takes me back to where I was that day.

"I participated in moving my brother and put him in the medical transport.

"I relived each detail during the proceedings.

"But even with experiencing all that – it's still valuable for me."

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) were included who were fatally wounded on the incident
Michelle Howard
Michelle Howard

An Italian chef and food writer passionate about sharing traditional recipes and modern twists on classic dishes.