How this Trial of an Army Veteran Over Bloody Sunday Ended in Acquittal

Youths in a stand-off with army troops on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a stand-off with military personnel on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 is remembered as among the deadliest – and significant – days during multiple decades of violence in the region.

Within the community where events unfolded – the legacy of Bloody Sunday are displayed on the walls and embedded in people's minds.

A public gathering was organized on a cold but bright day in Derry.

The protest was a protest against the policy of detention without trial – detaining individuals without due process – which had been established after three years of violence.

Father Daly waved a blood-stained handkerchief in an effort to defend a group transporting a young man, Jackie Duddy
A Catholic priest waved a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to defend a assembly transporting a youth, the injured teenager

Military personnel from the elite army unit killed 13 people in the neighborhood – which was, and still is, a overwhelmingly republican area.

A particular photograph became notably prominent.

Pictures showed a clergyman, Father Daly, waving a blood-stained cloth in his effort to shield a assembly carrying a teenager, the fatally wounded individual, who had been fatally wounded.

News camera operators captured considerable film on the day.

Historical records includes Fr Daly telling a journalist that military personnel "appeared to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no provocation for the shooting.

Protesters in the district being directed to custody by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the district being directed to detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday

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

The Widgery Tribunal found the military had been shot at first.

Throughout the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government established another inquiry, following pressure by family members, who said the first investigation had been a whitewash.

In 2010, the conclusion by the investigation said that overall, the military personnel had discharged weapons initially and that none of the individuals had presented danger.

The contemporary Prime Minister, the leader, issued an apology in the House of Commons – stating killings were "unjustified and inexcusable."

Kin of the casualties of the tragic event shootings walk from the district of Derry to the civic building holding photographs of their family members
Families of the deceased of the 1972 incident killings march from the district of Derry to the Guildhall carrying images of their family members

The police began to examine the events.

An ex-soldier, referred to as Soldier F, was charged for killing.

He was charged regarding the killings of the first individual, 22, and 26-year-old the second individual.

The accused was also accused of attempting to murder multiple individuals, other civilians, further individuals, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.

There is a court ruling protecting the defendant's privacy, which his attorneys have claimed is necessary because he is at risk of attack.

He testified the examination that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at persons who were carrying weapons.

This assertion was disputed in the final report.

Evidence from the investigation was unable to be used immediately as testimony in the court case.

In the dock, the veteran was shielded from sight with a privacy screen.

He addressed the court for the opening instance in the hearing at a proceeding in that month, to respond "not responsible" when the allegations were read.

Family members and supporters of those killed on the incident carry a sign and photos of the deceased
Kin and supporters of the victims on Bloody Sunday display a placard and images of the victims

Kin of those who were killed on that day journeyed from Derry to Belfast Crown Court each day of the case.

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

"I remember the events in my memory," the relative said, as we visited the primary sites referenced in the case – from the street, where the victim was shot dead, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where James Wray and another victim were killed.

"It reminds me to my position that day.

"I assisted with the victim and put him in the medical transport.

"I relived every moment during the proceedings.

"Despite experiencing the process – it's still meaningful for me."

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were died on Bloody Sunday
Jasmine Pitts
Jasmine Pitts

A passionate traveler and storyteller, sharing insights from journeys across continents to inspire others to explore the world.