The Way the Prosecution of a Former Soldier Over Bloody Sunday Concluded in Acquittal

Protesters in a confrontation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a stand-off with military personnel on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 remains arguably the most deadly – and consequential – days in three decades of unrest in Northern Ireland.

In the streets where it happened – the memories of that fateful day are displayed on the structures and seared in public consciousness.

A protest demonstration was held on a cold but bright day in the city.

The protest was challenging the practice of detention without trial – imprisoning people without trial – which had been established following an extended period of violence.

Fr Edward Daly waved a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to shield a group transporting a young man, Jackie Duddy
A Catholic priest used a blood-stained handkerchief in an effort to shield a group transporting a youth, the injured teenager

Troops from the specialized division killed multiple civilians in the neighborhood – which was, and continues to be, a strongly Irish nationalist community.

A particular photograph became particularly memorable.

Photographs showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a blood-stained cloth in his effort to protect a crowd transporting a teenager, the injured teenager, who had been mortally injured.

Journalists captured much footage on the day.

Documented accounts contains Father Daly explaining to a media representative that soldiers "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no justification for the shooting.

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

This account of the incident was rejected by the original examination.

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

Throughout the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government established a fresh examination, after campaigning by bereaved relatives, who said Widgery had been a whitewash.

That year, the report by Lord Saville said that generally, the soldiers had initiated shooting and that not one of the victims had been armed.

The then Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, issued an apology in the government chamber – saying killings were "without justification and inexcusable."

Relatives of the deceased of the tragic event shootings march from the Bogside area of the city to the civic building displaying pictures of their relatives
Kin of the victims of the 1972 incident killings march from the Bogside area of Derry to the Guildhall displaying photographs of their loved ones

Law enforcement began to look into the events.

A military veteran, identified as the accused, was charged for homicide.

He was charged regarding the killings of the first individual, 22, and in his mid-twenties the second individual.

The accused was further implicated of trying to kill Patrick O'Donnell, other civilians, further individuals, an additional individual, and an unnamed civilian.

Exists a legal order protecting the soldier's anonymity, which his legal team have argued is required because he is at threat.

He told the Saville Inquiry that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at persons who were armed.

That claim was disputed in the official findings.

Information from the investigation would not be used straightforwardly as proof in the criminal process.

In court, the defendant was shielded from sight using a protective barrier.

He spoke for the initial occasion in court at a proceeding in that month, to answer "not responsible" when the accusations were presented.

Relatives and advocates of those killed on the incident hold a placard and photos of the deceased
Relatives and supporters of the victims on that day hold a sign and photographs of the victims

Relatives of the deceased on Bloody Sunday journeyed from the city to the courthouse each day of the trial.

A family member, whose brother Michael was died, said they understood that hearing the trial would be painful.

"I visualize all details in my memory," he said, as we examined the key areas discussed in the case – from the street, where Michael was killed, to the nearby Glenfada Park, where one victim and another victim were died.

"It returns me to where I was that day.

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

"I experienced again every moment during the evidence.

"Despite having to go through everything – it's still worthwhile for me."

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were fatally wounded on Bloody Sunday
Janet Decker
Janet Decker

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