How the Prosecution of a Former Soldier Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Acquittal

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

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.

Father Daly displayed a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to protect a group carrying a youth, the injured teenager
A Catholic priest displayed a white cloth stained with blood while attempting to defend a group transporting a youth, Jackie Duddy

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.

Protesters in the Bogside area being marched towards custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in the district being taken to custody by British troops on Bloody Sunday

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."

Families of the casualties of the 1972 incident killings process from the district of the city to the municipal center carrying photographs of their loved ones
Relatives of the deceased of the 1972 incident killings process from the Bogside area of Londonderry to the Guildhall carrying pictures of their family members

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.

Family members and advocates of the victims on that day display a banner and photos of those killed
Relatives and allies of those killed on that day carry a banner and photos of the victims

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."

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were among those who were killed on the incident
Laura Ramos
Laura Ramos

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