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

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

Sunday 30 January 1972 stands as among the most fatal – and consequential – days throughout thirty years of unrest in the region.

Throughout the area where events unfolded – the legacy of the tragic events are displayed on the structures and seared in people's minds.

A civil rights march was conducted on a wintry, sunny afternoon in Derry.

The march was challenging the system of detention without trial – imprisoning people without legal proceedings – which had been established after an extended period of violence.

Father Daly waved a bloodied fabric in an effort to protect a group transporting a teenager, Jackie Duddy
Father Daly waved a bloodied fabric as he tried to defend a assembly transporting a young man, the fatally wounded youth

Soldiers from the elite army unit shot dead thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and still is, a predominantly nationalist population.

A specific visual became especially prominent.

Images showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a bloodied fabric in his effort to defend a group transporting a teenager, the fatally wounded individual, who had been fatally wounded.

Journalists captured considerable film on the day.

The archive contains Father Daly informing a media representative that military personnel "appeared to fire in all directions" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no reason for the discharge of weapons.

Protesters in the Bogside area being taken to arrest by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the neighborhood being taken to detention by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of the incident was rejected by the initial investigation.

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

During the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government set up a new investigation, following pressure by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a inadequate investigation.

That year, the findings by the inquiry said that overall, the soldiers had fired first and that none of the victims had presented danger.

At that time Prime Minister, the leader, expressed regret in the House of Commons – saying deaths were "unjustified and inexcusable."

Families of the casualties of the tragic event killings process from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the Guildhall displaying images of their family members
Kin of the casualties of the tragic event shootings process from the district of Derry to the municipal center holding photographs of their loved ones

Law enforcement started to investigate the incident.

An ex-soldier, referred to as the defendant, was prosecuted for killing.

Accusations were made concerning the fatalities of one victim, 22, and in his mid-twenties the second individual.

The defendant was further implicated of seeking to harm Patrick O'Donnell, additional persons, further individuals, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.

Exists a judicial decision maintaining the soldier's identity protection, which his lawyers have maintained is required because he is at risk of attack.

He stated to the examination that he had only fired at individuals who were armed.

That claim was dismissed in the official findings.

Evidence from the investigation could not be used straightforwardly as proof in the criminal process.

In the dock, the veteran was screened from view using a protective barrier.

He addressed the court for the initial occasion in the proceedings at a proceeding in that month, to respond "not guilty" when the charges were read.

Family members and supporters of those killed on that day display a sign and photos of the deceased
Family members and allies of those killed on that day hold a placard and photographs of the deceased

Kin of the victims on Bloody Sunday travelled from Londonderry to the courthouse each day of the proceedings.

A family member, whose sibling was killed, said they understood that hearing the case would be emotional.

"I remember everything in my mind's eye," the relative said, as we walked around the main locations referenced in the trial – from the street, where Michael was shot dead, to the adjacent the courtyard, where one victim and William McKinney were died.

"It returns me to my location that day.

"I helped to carry the victim and put him in the medical transport.

"I went through every moment during the proceedings.

"But even with experiencing the process – it's still valuable for me."

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were killed on the incident
Shelly Gordon
Shelly Gordon

A certified esthetician with over 10 years of experience in skincare and beauty treatments, passionate about helping clients achieve their best glow.