How the Prosecution of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Not Guilty Verdict

Youths in a confrontation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a tense situation with army troops on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 is remembered as one of the deadliest – and significant – dates throughout three decades of unrest in this area.

Throughout the area where it happened – the images of that fateful day are painted on the walls and embedded in public consciousness.

A protest demonstration was organized on a chilly yet clear period in Londonderry.

The march was a protest against the policy of internment – detaining individuals without legal proceedings – which had been established following an extended period of unrest.

Father Daly displayed a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to shield a crowd transporting a teenager, Jackie Duddy
Father Daly displayed a bloodied fabric in an effort to protect a crowd moving a young man, the fatally wounded youth

Military personnel from the specialized division killed thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and remains, a predominantly nationalist community.

A specific visual became notably memorable.

Pictures showed a Catholic priest, Father Daly, using a bloodied fabric while attempting to defend a group moving a teenager, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.

News camera operators captured extensive video on the day.

Historical records features Father Daly telling a journalist that troops "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no provocation for the shooting.

Protesters in the neighborhood being directed to custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the district being directed to arrest by British troops on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of events was rejected by the first inquiry.

The Widgery Tribunal concluded the Army had been attacked first.

Throughout the negotiation period, the administration set up another inquiry, in response to advocacy by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

In 2010, the conclusion by the inquiry said that generally, the military personnel had initiated shooting and that zero among the casualties had presented danger.

At that time Prime Minister, the leader, apologised in the Parliament – saying deaths were "unjustified and unacceptable."

Families of the casualties of the tragic event killings march from the neighborhood of the city to the Guildhall holding pictures of their loved ones
Kin of the casualties of the 1972 incident shootings walk from the Bogside area of the city to the Guildhall displaying photographs of their loved ones

Authorities began to investigate the events.

One former paratrooper, known as Soldier F, was brought to trial for homicide.

Indictments were filed over the killings of one victim, 22, and twenty-six-year-old the second individual.

Soldier F was further implicated of trying to kill several people, other civilians, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unnamed civilian.

There is a legal order protecting the veteran's identity protection, which his legal team have argued is required because he is at threat.

He told the investigation that he had only fired at persons who were armed.

The statement was dismissed in the official findings.

Evidence from the inquiry was unable to be used straightforwardly as testimony in the criminal process.

During the trial, the accused was shielded from sight with a blue curtain.

He addressed the court for the first time in court at a session in that month, to respond "innocent" when the accusations were presented.

Kin and allies of the victims on that day display a sign and photos of the victims
Relatives and supporters of the victims on Bloody Sunday display a placard and photos of the deceased

Relatives of the deceased on that day journeyed from Derry to the judicial building each day of the trial.

A family member, whose brother Michael was killed, said they always knew that hearing the proceedings would be emotional.

"I can see everything in my recollection," he said, as we visited the key areas referenced in the proceedings – from Rossville Street, where his brother was fatally wounded, to the adjacent Glenfada Park, where the individual and another victim were killed.

"It returns me to where I was that day.

"I helped to carry my brother and place him in the medical transport.

"I experienced again the entire event during the proceedings.

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

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

A passionate historian and travel writer dedicated to uncovering the hidden gems of Italian cultural heritage.