The Way the Prosecution of a Former Soldier Regarding Bloody Sunday Ended in Not Guilty Verdict

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

Sunday 30 January 1972 remains arguably the most deadly – and consequential – dates in multiple decades of conflict in Northern Ireland.

In the streets where events unfolded – the memories of that fateful day are displayed on the walls and seared in people's minds.

A civil rights march was organized on a chilly yet clear day in Londonderry.

The demonstration was challenging the policy of detention without trial – detaining individuals without legal proceedings – which had been established after an extended period of conflict.

Father Daly used a blood-stained handkerchief in an effort to protect a crowd transporting a young man, Jackie Duddy
Father Daly waved a blood-stained handkerchief as he tried to protect a assembly moving a teenager, Jackie Duddy

Military personnel from the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 people in the neighborhood – which was, and still is, a predominantly republican area.

One image became particularly iconic.

Images showed a clergyman, the priest, displaying a bloodied cloth in his effort to protect a assembly carrying a youth, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.

News camera operators captured extensive video on the day.

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

Protesters in the neighborhood being directed to custody by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the neighborhood being taken to custody by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

That version of events was disputed by the original examination.

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

In the resolution efforts, the ruling party established a new investigation, following pressure by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

That year, the report by Lord Saville said that overall, the paratroopers had initiated shooting and that not one of the victims had presented danger.

The then head of state, the Prime Minister, issued an apology in the House of Commons – declaring killings were "unjustified and unjustifiable."

Kin of the deceased of the tragic event shootings march from the Bogside area of Londonderry to the municipal center carrying pictures of their loved ones
Relatives of the casualties of the Bloody Sunday killings process from the district of Derry to the municipal center carrying pictures of their family members

Authorities commenced investigate the incident.

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

He was charged regarding the killings of James Wray, twenty-two, and 26-year-old William McKinney.

Soldier F was further implicated of seeking to harm several people, other civilians, Joe Mahon, an additional individual, and an unidentified individual.

Remains a judicial decision preserving the defendant's identity protection, which his attorneys have claimed is essential because he is at risk of attack.

He testified the examination that he had solely shot at people who were armed.

That claim was rejected in the concluding document.

Material from the investigation could not be used immediately as proof in the criminal process.

In the dock, the veteran was shielded from sight with a privacy screen.

He spoke for the opening instance in court at a hearing in late 2024, to reply "not responsible" when the accusations were read.

Family members and supporters of those killed on the incident hold a sign and photographs of the deceased
Family members and allies of the deceased on that day display a sign and images of those killed

Family members of those who were killed on Bloody Sunday made the trip from the city to the courthouse each day of the proceedings.

John Kelly, whose relative was died, said they understood that attending the trial would be difficult.

"I remember all details in my memory," the relative said, as we visited the primary sites discussed in the trial – from Rossville Street, where his brother was shot dead, to the adjacent the area, where James Wray and William McKinney were died.

"It returns me to my location that day.

"I participated in moving the victim and put him in the ambulance.

"I experienced again the entire event during the evidence.

"Despite having to go through the process – it's still valuable for me."

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were fatally wounded on Bloody Sunday
Anna Diaz
Anna Diaz

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