The Way the Legal Case of a Former Soldier Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Acquittal

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

January 30th, 1972 stands as arguably the deadliest – and significant – dates throughout multiple decades of unrest in the region.

Within the community of the incident – the memories of the tragic events are visible on the walls and embedded in collective memory.

A public gathering was organized on a wintry, sunny day in Londonderry.

The demonstration was a protest against the system of internment – holding suspects without legal proceedings – which had been established following multiple years of violence.

Fr Edward Daly used a blood-stained handkerchief as he tried to defend a crowd transporting a youth, the injured teenager
A Catholic priest waved a blood-stained handkerchief as he tried to protect a assembly carrying a young man, Jackie Duddy

Soldiers from the elite army unit fatally wounded multiple civilians in the neighborhood – which was, and continues to be, a strongly republican area.

A specific visual became especially prominent.

Pictures showed a religious figure, Fr Edward Daly, using a blood-stained white handkerchief while attempting to protect a group moving a young man, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.

Media personnel captured considerable film on the day.

The archive features the priest telling a journalist that troops "gave the impression they would shoot indiscriminately" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no reason for the gunfire.

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

This account of what happened was disputed by the first inquiry.

The first investigation found the Army had been shot at first.

During the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government set up a fresh examination, in response to advocacy by family members, who said the initial inquiry had been a whitewash.

In 2010, the findings by the inquiry said that overall, the military personnel had fired first and that none of the individuals had presented danger.

The contemporary Prime Minister, David Cameron, apologised in the Parliament – saying killings were "improper and unacceptable."

Kin of the victims of the Bloody Sunday killings walk from the Bogside area of the city to the Guildhall holding pictures of their family members
Families of the victims of the tragic event killings walk from the neighborhood of the city to the civic building carrying pictures of their loved ones

The police commenced examine the incident.

A military veteran, referred to as Soldier F, was brought to trial for killing.

He was charged over the deaths of the first individual, in his twenties, and 26-year-old another victim.

The defendant was additionally charged of trying to kill multiple individuals, other civilians, Joe Mahon, an additional individual, and an unnamed civilian.

There is a judicial decision protecting the soldier's privacy, which his legal team have claimed is essential because he is at risk of attack.

He stated to the examination that he had only fired at persons who were armed.

That claim was dismissed in the official findings.

Information from the inquiry could not be used directly as evidence in the legal proceedings.

During the trial, the defendant was shielded from sight with a protective barrier.

He made statements for the first time in the proceedings at a hearing in that month, to reply "innocent" when the accusations were read.

Family members and advocates of those killed on Bloody Sunday display a banner and photographs of the deceased
Kin and allies of the victims on Bloody Sunday hold a banner and photos of the victims

Family members of the victims on that day journeyed from Londonderry to the judicial building each day of the trial.

One relative, whose brother Michael was killed, said they understood that attending the case would be emotional.

"I remember all details in my memory," John said, as we visited the key areas discussed in the proceedings – from Rossville Street, where Michael was shot dead, to the nearby the area, where James Wray and William McKinney were died.

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

"I helped to carry the victim and put him in the ambulance.

"I went through each detail during the testimony.

"Despite experiencing everything – it's still meaningful for me."

One victim (left) and Another victim (right) were part of who were fatally wounded on the incident
Matthew Young
Matthew Young

Automotive journalist and tech enthusiast with a passion for sustainable mobility and innovation.

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