The Way the Legal Case of a Former Soldier Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Acquittal

Protesters in a tense situation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a stand-off with military personnel on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 stands as among the deadliest – and significant – occasions in three decades of unrest in this area.

In the streets of the incident – the memories of Bloody Sunday are painted on the walls and embedded in people's minds.

A public gathering was conducted on a cold but bright period in the city.

The demonstration was a protest against the policy of detention without trial – detaining individuals without legal proceedings – which had been established in response to an extended period of conflict.

Fr Edward Daly used a bloodied fabric while attempting to defend a group carrying a teenager, the injured teenager
Father Daly used a bloodied fabric as he tried to defend a assembly moving a youth, the fatally wounded youth

Soldiers from the specialized division shot dead thirteen individuals in the district – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly republican population.

One image became particularly iconic.

Photographs showed a clergyman, the priest, displaying a blood-stained cloth while attempting to protect a group transporting a youth, the injured teenager, who had been fatally wounded.

Journalists captured extensive video on the day.

The archive includes Father Daly informing a media representative that military personnel "just seemed to fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no provocation for the shooting.

Protesters in the district being taken to arrest by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the neighborhood being taken to arrest by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

This account of what happened was disputed by the first inquiry.

The Widgery Tribunal determined the military had been attacked first.

Throughout the negotiation period, the administration established a new investigation, after campaigning by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

During 2010, the conclusion by the inquiry said that on balance, the paratroopers had initiated shooting and that zero among the individuals had been armed.

The contemporary government leader, the Prime Minister, apologised in the House of Commons – declaring deaths were "without justification and unjustifiable."

Kin of the deceased of the tragic event fatalities process from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the municipal center displaying photographs of their relatives
Relatives of the victims of the Bloody Sunday killings process from the district of Derry to the municipal center holding photographs of their family members

Law enforcement commenced examine the events.

A military veteran, known as the accused, was prosecuted for homicide.

Accusations were made regarding the killings of James Wray, in his twenties, and twenty-six-year-old William McKinney.

Soldier F was also accused of attempting to murder several people, Joseph Friel, further individuals, an additional individual, and an unnamed civilian.

Exists a judicial decision protecting the soldier's privacy, which his attorneys have argued is necessary because he is at threat.

He stated to the examination that he had only fired at persons who were carrying weapons.

That claim was disputed in the concluding document.

Information from the inquiry could not be used straightforwardly as evidence in the legal proceedings.

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

He addressed the court for the initial occasion in the proceedings at a proceeding in that month, to reply "not guilty" when the accusations were presented.

Kin and advocates of those killed on that day hold a banner and images of those killed
Family members and supporters of the deceased on the incident carry a banner and photos of the deceased

Family members of those who were killed on the incident journeyed from Londonderry to Belfast Crown Court every day of the case.

A family member, whose relative was fatally wounded, said they were aware that listening to the case would be painful.

"I visualize all details in my mind's eye," John said, as we walked around the key areas discussed in the case – from Rossville Street, where his brother was fatally wounded, to the adjacent Glenfada Park, where James Wray and the second person were killed.

"It returns me to my location that day.

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

"I went through every moment during the evidence.

"Despite having to go through all that – it's still meaningful for me."

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were killed on the incident
Joshua Edwards
Joshua Edwards

A passionate writer and cultural enthusiast based in Prague, sharing insights on Czech traditions and modern life.