How this Trial of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Acquittal

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

Sunday 30 January 1972 remains arguably the most fatal – and significant – dates throughout multiple decades of unrest in this area.

Throughout the area where it happened – the legacy of the tragic events are visible on the walls and etched in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was organized on a chilly yet clear period in Derry.

The march was opposing the policy of internment – holding suspects without due process – which had been put in place in response to three years of conflict.

A Catholic priest waved a bloodied fabric while attempting to defend a group transporting a teenager, the injured teenager
A Catholic priest waved a white cloth stained with blood while attempting to defend a assembly moving a youth, the fatally wounded youth

Military personnel from the specialized division fatally wounded thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a strongly republican community.

One image became particularly prominent.

Photographs showed a Catholic priest, the priest, using a blood-stained cloth while attempting to defend a assembly transporting a young man, the fatally wounded individual, who had been fatally wounded.

Journalists captured much footage on the day.

Documented accounts features the priest explaining to a journalist that soldiers "appeared to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no reason for the gunfire.

Individuals in the neighborhood being directed to detention by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the district being taken to custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of events was disputed by the first inquiry.

The first investigation determined the soldiers had been shot at first.

During the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government commissioned a new investigation, after campaigning by bereaved relatives, who said the first investigation had been a cover-up.

During 2010, the findings by the inquiry said that on balance, the soldiers had discharged weapons initially and that not one of the casualties had been armed.

The contemporary head of state, the leader, apologised in the Parliament – declaring fatalities were "without justification and inexcusable."

Relatives of the victims of the Bloody Sunday fatalities march from the Bogside area of Londonderry to the Guildhall displaying images of their family members
Families of the casualties of the tragic event killings walk from the district of Londonderry to the municipal center holding photographs of their family members

Authorities began to examine the incident.

A military veteran, referred to as Soldier F, was prosecuted for murder.

Indictments were filed concerning the killings of James Wray, twenty-two, and 26-year-old another victim.

Soldier F was additionally charged of attempting to murder multiple individuals, additional persons, further individuals, Michael Quinn, and an unknown person.

Remains a legal order maintaining the veteran's identity protection, which his attorneys have maintained is required because he is at risk of attack.

He told the examination that he had solely shot at people who were possessing firearms.

This assertion was rejected in the official findings.

Material from the examination would not be used directly as proof in the legal proceedings.

During the trial, the defendant was hidden from public using a privacy screen.

He spoke for the opening instance in the proceedings at a session in that month, to answer "not guilty" when the charges were put to him.

Relatives and allies of the victims on that day hold a sign and photographs of the victims
Family members and advocates of the victims on the incident carry a placard and photographs of the deceased

Family members of the deceased on that day travelled from Derry to Belfast Crown Court each day of the case.

A family member, whose brother Michael was fatally wounded, said they always knew that hearing the case would be painful.

"I can see all details in my mind's eye," he said, as we walked around the main locations mentioned in the case – from the location, where Michael was shot dead, to the adjoining the area, where James Wray and William McKinney were fatally wounded.

"It returns me to where I was that day.

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

"I experienced again the entire event during the testimony.

"Despite enduring everything – it's still valuable for me."

James Wray (left) and Another victim (right) were among those who were killed on the incident
Timothy Hanson
Timothy Hanson

Award-winning journalist with a passion for investigative reporting and storytelling, based in London.