How this Prosecution of an Army Veteran Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Acquittal

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

January 30th, 1972 remains among the deadliest – and consequential – days in three decades of conflict in this area.

Throughout the area where events unfolded – the legacy of the tragic events are displayed on the walls and etched in public consciousness.

A public gathering was held on a chilly yet clear afternoon in Londonderry.

The march was opposing the policy of internment – holding suspects without due process – which had been established in response to an extended period of violence.

Father Daly used a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to shield a assembly moving a teenager, Jackie Duddy
Fr Edward Daly waved a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to defend a group moving a young man, Jackie Duddy

Troops from the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 people in the Bogside area – which was, and remains, a strongly nationalist community.

One image became especially iconic.

Images showed a religious figure, Father Daly, waving a stained with blood fabric while attempting to defend a crowd moving a young man, the fatally wounded individual, who had been killed.

Media personnel captured extensive video on the day.

The archive contains Father Daly telling a reporter that soldiers "appeared to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no reason for the discharge of weapons.

Civilians in the district being taken to detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the neighborhood being marched towards arrest by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

That version of what happened was rejected by the initial investigation.

The first investigation determined the Army had been attacked first.

In the negotiation period, the ruling party set up a new investigation, following pressure by surviving kin, who said the initial inquiry had been a whitewash.

During 2010, the report by the investigation said that generally, the paratroopers had fired first and that not one of the casualties had posed any threat.

The contemporary Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, expressed regret in the House of Commons – saying killings were "unjustified and inexcusable."

Families of the victims of the 1972 incident shootings march from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the municipal center holding photographs of their family members
Kin of the deceased of the tragic event fatalities march from the district of Londonderry to the civic building holding photographs of their relatives

Authorities commenced look into the matter.

One former paratrooper, known as the defendant, was charged for killing.

Accusations were made regarding the deaths of James Wray, twenty-two, and 26-year-old another victim.

Soldier F was further implicated of trying to kill Patrick O'Donnell, other civilians, further individuals, an additional individual, and an unidentified individual.

Exists a judicial decision protecting the defendant's anonymity, which his legal team have claimed is required because he is at risk of attack.

He testified the investigation that he had only fired at persons who were carrying weapons.

This assertion was rejected in the official findings.

Evidence from the examination was unable to be used directly as proof in the criminal process.

During the trial, the veteran was hidden from public behind a protective barrier.

He made statements for the initial occasion in the hearing at a session in that month, to answer "not guilty" when the accusations were presented.

Family members and supporters of those killed on Bloody Sunday hold a placard and images of the deceased
Relatives and advocates of those killed on the incident display a banner and images of those killed

Relatives of the deceased on the incident made the trip from Londonderry to the courthouse daily of the case.

John Kelly, whose relative was fatally wounded, said they were aware that attending the trial would be difficult.

"I visualize the events in my memory," the relative said, as we examined the primary sites discussed in the case – from the location, where his brother was shot dead, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where one victim and the second person were killed.

"It reminds me to my position that day.

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

"I experienced again each detail during the testimony.

"But even with enduring everything – it's still worthwhile for me."

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were among those who were killed on Bloody Sunday
Andrew Dudley
Andrew Dudley

A passionate travel writer and food enthusiast, sharing personal experiences and expert advice on Italian adventures.