The Way this Prosecution of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Acquittal

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

Sunday 30 January 1972 stands as among the deadliest – and consequential – days throughout three decades of conflict in this area.

Throughout the area of the incident – the memories of the tragic events are visible on the buildings and etched in collective memory.

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

The march was opposing the policy of internment – detaining individuals without due process – which had been established in response to an extended period of violence.

Fr Edward Daly displayed a bloodied fabric as he tried to shield a crowd transporting a youth, the fatally wounded youth
Father Daly used a blood-stained handkerchief in an effort to defend a assembly carrying a teenager, the injured teenager

Military personnel from the elite army unit shot dead 13 people in the district – which was, and still is, a predominantly nationalist area.

One image became especially prominent.

Pictures showed a religious figure, Father Daly, displaying a blood-stained fabric in his effort to protect a crowd moving a youth, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.

News camera operators recorded much footage on the day.

Historical records includes Fr Daly informing a journalist that military personnel "just seemed to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no reason for the shooting.

Civilians in the neighborhood being taken to arrest by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in the Bogside area being taken to custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of what happened was disputed by the initial investigation.

The Widgery Tribunal concluded the military had been fired upon initially.

In the peace process, Tony Blair's government established a fresh examination, after campaigning by family members, who said the first investigation had been a inadequate investigation.

During 2010, the findings by Lord Saville said that overall, the military personnel had initiated shooting and that zero among the victims had been armed.

At that time Prime Minister, David Cameron, issued an apology in the government chamber – saying deaths were "without justification and inexcusable."

Families of the casualties of the Bloody Sunday fatalities process from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the Guildhall displaying pictures of their loved ones
Kin of the deceased of the tragic event shootings process from the neighborhood of the city to the civic building holding pictures of their loved ones

Authorities began to investigate the matter.

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

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

The accused was also accused of attempting to murder Patrick O'Donnell, Joseph Friel, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unnamed civilian.

Remains a court ruling protecting the defendant's privacy, which his legal team have argued is essential because he is at threat.

He testified the investigation that he had only fired at individuals who were possessing firearms.

This assertion was dismissed in the official findings.

Evidence from the examination could not be used straightforwardly as evidence in the court case.

During the trial, the accused was shielded from sight with a blue curtain.

He addressed the court for the first time in court at a proceeding in that month, to reply "innocent" when the charges were put to him.

Kin and supporters of the victims on that day carry a banner and images of the deceased
Family members and advocates of the victims on Bloody Sunday display a banner and photos of those killed

Relatives of the victims on the incident journeyed from Derry to Belfast Crown Court every day of the trial.

A family member, whose relative was fatally wounded, said they understood that attending the case would be painful.

"I can see everything in my memory," John said, as we visited the key areas mentioned in the case – from the location, where the victim was fatally wounded, to the nearby Glenfada Park, where the individual and William McKinney were fatally wounded.

"It returns me to my location that day.

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

"I experienced again every moment during the proceedings.

"Despite experiencing everything – it's still worthwhile for me."

One victim (left) and Another victim (right) were among those who were died on Bloody Sunday
James Richards
James Richards

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with a passion for sharing practical insights and inspiring stories.