How this Legal Case of an Army Veteran Regarding Bloody Sunday Concluded in Not Guilty Verdict

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

January 30th, 1972 remains among the most deadly – and momentous – occasions throughout three decades of unrest in the region.

In the streets where events unfolded – the memories of the tragic events are visible on the structures and etched in public consciousness.

A protest demonstration was organized on a cold but bright afternoon in Derry.

The march was opposing the policy of imprisonment without charges – detaining individuals without legal proceedings – which had been implemented following multiple years of violence.

Fr Edward Daly displayed a white cloth stained with blood while attempting to protect a crowd transporting a youth, the fatally wounded youth
Fr Edward Daly used a bloodied fabric as he tried to defend a group moving a youth, Jackie Duddy

Soldiers from the specialized division fatally wounded 13 people in the district – which was, and remains, a predominantly republican population.

One image became notably iconic.

Photographs showed a religious figure, Fr Edward Daly, waving a bloodied white handkerchief while attempting to shield a group transporting a young man, the injured teenager, who had been killed.

Media personnel documented extensive video on the day.

Historical records contains the priest explaining to a reporter that soldiers "gave the impression they would discharge weapons randomly" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no provocation for the gunfire.

Civilians in the district being marched towards custody by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the Bogside area being marched towards detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday

This account of what happened was disputed by the original examination.

The first investigation found the Army had been attacked first.

In the peace process, Tony Blair's government set up another inquiry, following pressure by bereaved relatives, who said Widgery had been a whitewash.

During 2010, the findings by Lord Saville said that overall, the military personnel had discharged weapons initially and that not one of the individuals had been armed.

The contemporary government leader, the leader, apologised in the government chamber – declaring deaths were "unjustified and inexcusable."

Families of the casualties of the tragic event killings walk from the district of the city to the civic building holding pictures of their family members
Families of the victims of the Bloody Sunday shootings process from the neighborhood of Derry to the municipal center displaying images of their relatives

Authorities started to investigate the incident.

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

Accusations were made over the deaths of James Wray, 22, and twenty-six-year-old the second individual.

Soldier F was additionally charged of seeking to harm several people, other civilians, further individuals, Michael Quinn, and an unnamed civilian.

There is a judicial decision maintaining the veteran's identity protection, which his legal team have claimed is required because he is at danger.

He told the investigation that he had solely shot at persons who were carrying weapons.

That claim was rejected in the concluding document.

Information from the examination was unable to be used directly as evidence in the legal proceedings.

In court, the accused was shielded from sight using a privacy screen.

He made statements for the opening instance in the proceedings at a hearing in that month, to respond "innocent" when the accusations were put to him.

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

Family members of the deceased on that day made the trip from the city to the judicial building daily of the trial.

One relative, whose relative was fatally wounded, said they understood that hearing the proceedings would be emotional.

"I visualize the events in my recollection," the relative said, as we examined the key areas mentioned in the case – from the street, where the victim was shot dead, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where James Wray and William McKinney were died.

"It even takes me back to where I was that day.

"I helped to carry my brother and lay him in the ambulance.

"I went through the entire event during the evidence.

"Despite enduring all that – it's still worthwhile for me."

One victim (left) and Another victim (right) were among those who were died on the incident
Steve Miller
Steve Miller

A passionate traveler and writer sharing experiences from journeys across the UK and beyond.