How the Prosecution of a Former Soldier Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Acquittal
Sunday 30 January 1972 is remembered as one of the most deadly – and momentous – dates throughout multiple decades of conflict in the region.
Throughout the area of the incident – the legacy of the tragic events are painted on the structures and seared in collective memory.
A protest demonstration was conducted on a wintry, sunny day in Londonderry.
The march was challenging the system of internment – imprisoning people without legal proceedings – which had been established following three years of unrest.
Soldiers from the Parachute Regiment fatally wounded thirteen individuals in the district – which was, and remains, a strongly Irish nationalist community.
A particular photograph became especially prominent.
Pictures showed a Catholic priest, the priest, displaying a stained with blood cloth while attempting to protect a crowd carrying a young man, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.
Media personnel documented extensive video on the day.
The archive includes Fr Daly explaining to a media representative that soldiers "appeared to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no reason for the discharge of weapons.
That version of what happened wasn't accepted by the first inquiry.
The first investigation concluded the military had been shot at first.
Throughout the negotiation period, the ruling party set up a new investigation, in response to advocacy by family members, who said the first investigation had been a cover-up.
In 2010, the report by the inquiry said that generally, the military personnel had discharged weapons initially and that none of the victims had presented danger.
The contemporary government leader, the leader, apologised in the House of Commons – stating killings were "without justification and unjustifiable."
The police commenced examine the events.
A military veteran, identified as the defendant, was brought to trial for killing.
Accusations were made over the fatalities of one victim, 22, and 26-year-old William McKinney.
Soldier F was additionally charged of seeking to harm several people, additional persons, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.
Exists a legal order maintaining the veteran's privacy, which his attorneys have claimed is essential because he is at danger.
He stated to the investigation that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at persons who were possessing firearms.
This assertion was rejected in the final report.
Information from the inquiry was unable to be used straightforwardly as evidence in the court case.
In the dock, the defendant 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 reply "not guilty" when the accusations were presented.
Relatives of those who were killed on that day journeyed from Derry to the courthouse every day of the trial.
John Kelly, whose brother Michael was killed, said they were aware that hearing the proceedings would be difficult.
"I visualize the events in my mind's eye," he said, as we examined the main locations mentioned in the proceedings – from the location, where his brother was fatally wounded, to the adjoining the courtyard, where one victim and William McKinney were fatally wounded.
"It even takes me back to my location that day.
"I helped to carry the victim and put him in the medical transport.
"I experienced again the entire event during the testimony.
"Despite experiencing everything – it's still worthwhile for me."