The Way this Legal Case of a Former Soldier Over Bloody Sunday Ended in Not Guilty Verdict

Youths in a stand-off with army troops on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a stand-off with army troops on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 remains arguably the most deadly – and consequential – occasions in multiple decades of unrest in the region.

In the streets where it happened – the legacy of Bloody Sunday are displayed on the structures and embedded in public consciousness.

A public gathering was held on a wintry, sunny day in Derry.

The protest was a protest against the policy of imprisonment without charges – imprisoning people without trial – which had been established in response to an extended period of unrest.

Fr Edward Daly displayed a bloodied fabric while attempting to protect a assembly transporting a youth, Jackie Duddy
A Catholic priest used a blood-stained handkerchief in an effort to shield a crowd transporting a teenager, the injured teenager

Military personnel from the specialized division fatally wounded 13 people in the neighborhood – which was, and remains, a overwhelmingly nationalist community.

One image became especially iconic.

Photographs showed a Catholic priest, the priest, using a stained with blood white handkerchief in his effort to defend a crowd moving a young man, the fatally wounded individual, who had been fatally wounded.

News camera operators documented much footage on the day.

The archive includes Father Daly explaining to a journalist that soldiers "appeared to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no provocation for the discharge of weapons.

Civilians in the district being marched towards custody by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the neighborhood being directed to detention by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

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

The Widgery Tribunal found the Army had been attacked first.

In the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government set up another inquiry, in response to advocacy by surviving kin, who said Widgery had been a whitewash.

During 2010, the report by the investigation said that overall, the soldiers had initiated shooting and that none of the victims had presented danger.

The then Prime Minister, the leader, apologised in the House of Commons – saying deaths were "without justification and inexcusable."

Relatives of the casualties of the 1972 incident killings walk from the Bogside area of the city to the municipal center displaying photographs of their family members
Relatives of the deceased of the 1972 incident shootings walk from the district of Londonderry to the municipal center holding images of their family members

The police started to investigate the incident.

An ex-soldier, identified as the defendant, was charged for murder.

He was charged concerning the deaths of James Wray, 22, and twenty-six-year-old another victim.

The defendant was additionally charged of trying to kill Patrick O'Donnell, other civilians, further individuals, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.

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

He told the Saville Inquiry that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at individuals who were armed.

The statement was dismissed in the concluding document.

Evidence from the examination was unable to be used directly as proof in the criminal process.

In the dock, the accused was screened from view behind a protective barrier.

He addressed the court for the opening instance in court at a session in that month, to answer "not guilty" when the accusations were presented.

Kin and supporters of those killed on that day hold a banner and photographs of those killed
Relatives and advocates of the victims on the incident carry a sign and photos of the deceased

Family members of the victims on that day journeyed from Derry to the courthouse daily of the proceedings.

A family member, whose sibling was killed, said they were aware that attending the proceedings would be painful.

"I remember the events in my memory," John said, as we walked around the key areas discussed in the trial – from the location, where Michael was killed, to the adjoining the area, where James Wray and William McKinney were fatally wounded.

"It even takes me back to my position that day.

"I assisted with the victim and put him in the ambulance.

"I experienced again the entire event during the proceedings.

"Despite experiencing the process – it's still valuable for me."

James Wray (left) and Another victim (right) were included who were died on Bloody Sunday
Scott Smith
Scott Smith

Environmental scientist and advocate for sustainable living, sharing insights on reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices.