The Way the Prosecution of an Army Veteran Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Not Guilty Verdict

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

January 30th, 1972 remains one of the most fatal – and significant – days in thirty years of violence in the region.

Throughout the area where it happened – the memories of the tragic events are displayed on the walls and embedded in public consciousness.

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

The protest was opposing the practice of detention without trial – detaining individuals without due process – which had been established after multiple years of unrest.

Fr Edward Daly displayed a blood-stained handkerchief in an effort to shield a group moving a young man, Jackie Duddy
A Catholic priest used a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to protect a group moving a youth, the fatally wounded youth

Military personnel from the specialized division shot dead multiple civilians in the Bogside area – which was, and still is, a overwhelmingly republican population.

A specific visual became particularly memorable.

Pictures showed a clergyman, Fr Edward Daly, using a blood-stained cloth in his effort to protect a assembly moving a young man, the injured teenager, who had been mortally injured.

Media personnel documented extensive video on the day.

Documented accounts contains Fr Daly informing a media representative that troops "gave the impression they would discharge weapons randomly" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.

Civilians in the district being marched towards custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the district being taken to custody by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

This account of what happened wasn't accepted by the initial investigation.

The first investigation concluded the Army had been attacked first.

During the resolution efforts, the ruling party set up a fresh examination, following pressure by surviving kin, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

That year, the report by the investigation said that generally, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that none of the victims had presented danger.

The then Prime Minister, David Cameron, apologised in the Parliament – saying deaths were "unjustified and unjustifiable."

Kin of the deceased of the 1972 incident shootings process from the district of Derry to the Guildhall displaying images of their loved ones
Relatives of the victims of the 1972 incident killings walk from the district of Derry to the civic building holding images of their relatives

The police started to investigate the incident.

A military veteran, known as the defendant, was prosecuted for killing.

Indictments were filed over the fatalities of the first individual, in his twenties, and 26-year-old William McKinney.

Soldier F was further implicated of attempting to murder Patrick O'Donnell, additional persons, Joe Mahon, another person, and an unknown person.

Exists a court ruling preserving the soldier's privacy, which his lawyers have argued is essential because he is at risk of attack.

He testified the Saville Inquiry that he had only fired at individuals who were armed.

This assertion was dismissed in the final report.

Material from the investigation would not be used directly as evidence in the criminal process.

In court, the defendant was screened from view with a blue curtain.

He made statements for the first time in the proceedings at a proceeding in that month, to reply "not guilty" when the charges were put to him.

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

Relatives of those who were killed on Bloody Sunday made the trip from the city to Belfast Crown Court each day of the proceedings.

A family member, whose sibling was died, said they always knew that attending the trial would be difficult.

"I visualize everything in my mind's eye," he said, as we visited the primary sites referenced in the proceedings – from the street, where his brother was killed, to the adjoining the courtyard, where James Wray and William McKinney were killed.

"It even takes me back to my position that day.

"I helped to carry Michael and put him in the ambulance.

"I experienced again every moment during the testimony.

"But even with having to go through all that – it's still worthwhile for me."

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were fatally wounded on the incident
Christine Boyle
Christine Boyle

A certified nutritionist and wellness coach passionate about helping others achieve balance through natural health practices.