The Way the Trial of a Former Soldier Regarding Bloody Sunday Concluded in Acquittal

Youths in a tense situation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a confrontation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 remains among the most deadly – and momentous – dates in multiple decades of conflict in the region.

Throughout the area where events unfolded – the images of that fateful day are displayed on the structures and etched in collective memory.

A protest demonstration was held on a cold but bright period in Derry.

The march was opposing the system of imprisonment without charges – imprisoning people without legal proceedings – which had been implemented after multiple years of violence.

Fr Edward Daly used a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to protect a group moving a youth, the injured teenager
Fr Edward Daly used a bloodied fabric while attempting to protect a group carrying a young man, the fatally wounded youth

Troops from the elite army unit fatally wounded thirteen individuals in the district – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly republican area.

One image became especially memorable.

Photographs showed a clergyman, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a stained with blood white handkerchief while attempting to protect a assembly carrying a youth, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.

News camera operators captured extensive video on the day.

Historical records contains Fr Daly informing a media representative that troops "appeared to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no provocation for the gunfire.

Individuals in the district being taken to custody by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the Bogside area being marched towards arrest by British troops on Bloody Sunday

This account of events was rejected by the original examination.

The initial inquiry found the soldiers had been fired upon initially.

In the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government established another inquiry, in response to advocacy by bereaved relatives, who said Widgery had been a whitewash.

During 2010, the report by Lord Saville said that overall, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that none of the casualties had been armed.

The then government leader, the leader, issued an apology in the government chamber – declaring killings were "unjustified and inexcusable."

Kin of the deceased of the tragic event fatalities march from the neighborhood of Derry to the municipal center holding photographs of their family members
Kin of the casualties of the Bloody Sunday fatalities march from the district of Londonderry to the municipal center carrying pictures of their loved ones

The police started to look into the incident.

An ex-soldier, identified as Soldier F, was brought to trial for murder.

He was charged concerning the killings of one victim, in his twenties, and in his mid-twenties the second individual.

The defendant was also accused of trying to kill Patrick O'Donnell, other civilians, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and an unknown person.

There is a legal order preserving the veteran's anonymity, which his legal team have argued is necessary because he is at risk of attack.

He told the Saville Inquiry that he had solely shot at individuals who were armed.

That claim was disputed in the concluding document.

Information from the examination was unable to be used straightforwardly as proof in the court case.

In court, the defendant was hidden from public using a blue curtain.

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

Kin and allies of those killed on the incident carry a sign and images of those killed
Family members and supporters of the victims on Bloody Sunday carry a placard and photos of those killed

Relatives of the victims on that day journeyed from Derry to Belfast Crown Court each day of the trial.

One relative, whose brother Michael was killed, said they always knew that listening to the case would be painful.

"I remember everything in my recollection," he said, as we visited the primary sites referenced in the case – from Rossville Street, where his brother was fatally wounded, to the nearby Glenfada Park, where one victim and William McKinney were killed.

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

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

"I experienced again every moment during the proceedings.

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

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were included who were fatally wounded on the incident
Kimberly Boyd
Kimberly Boyd

A passionate writer and explorer, Evelyn shares her experiences and tips for embracing new perspectives and adventures in everyday life.