How this Trial of an Army Veteran Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Acquittal

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

January 30th, 1972 stands as arguably the most deadly – and significant – dates throughout thirty years of violence in Northern Ireland.

Within the community where events unfolded – the memories of the tragic events are painted on the structures and etched in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was held on a cold but bright day in the city.

The protest was opposing the policy of internment – detaining individuals without trial – which had been established in response to an extended period of unrest.

Father Daly used a blood-stained handkerchief as he tried to protect a crowd moving a young man, the fatally wounded youth
Fr Edward Daly displayed a bloodied fabric as he tried to protect a group moving a young man, the injured teenager

Troops from the Parachute Regiment shot dead multiple civilians in the neighborhood – which was, and still is, a predominantly republican community.

One image became particularly memorable.

Images showed a religious figure, the priest, using a stained with blood fabric in his effort to defend a group transporting a teenager, the fatally wounded individual, who had been fatally wounded.

News camera operators captured much footage on the day.

Documented accounts includes Fr Daly explaining to a media representative that military personnel "just seemed to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no provocation for the gunfire.

Individuals in the Bogside area being marched towards detention by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the district being marched towards arrest by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of what happened was rejected by the first inquiry.

The Widgery Tribunal determined the Army had been fired upon initially.

During the resolution efforts, the administration established a new investigation, after campaigning by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a whitewash.

That year, the report by the inquiry said that overall, the military personnel had initiated shooting and that not one of the casualties had posed any threat.

The then Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, issued an apology in the Parliament – declaring fatalities were "without justification and inexcusable."

Relatives of the deceased of the 1972 incident killings process from the Bogside area of Londonderry to the Guildhall displaying images of their relatives
Relatives of the victims of the tragic event fatalities march from the district of Londonderry to the civic building carrying images of their relatives

The police commenced examine the events.

An ex-soldier, referred to as Soldier F, was prosecuted for murder.

Indictments were filed over the killings of the first individual, in his twenties, and twenty-six-year-old William McKinney.

The defendant was further implicated of trying to kill Patrick O'Donnell, additional persons, more people, another person, and an unnamed civilian.

Exists a judicial decision maintaining the veteran's anonymity, which his lawyers have argued is essential because he is at threat.

He told the Saville Inquiry that he had only fired at individuals who were armed.

The statement was rejected in the concluding document.

Information from the investigation would not be used immediately as testimony in the criminal process.

In the dock, the accused was hidden from public behind a protective barrier.

He made statements for the first time in the proceedings at a session in that month, to reply "innocent" when the allegations were presented.

Relatives and supporters of those killed on Bloody Sunday hold a banner and photos of the deceased
Family members and advocates of the victims on the incident display a sign and images of those killed

Relatives of the deceased on that day journeyed from Londonderry to the courthouse each day of the trial.

A family member, whose sibling was killed, said they were aware that hearing the trial would be emotional.

"I can see everything in my recollection," John said, as we visited the main locations referenced in the trial – from the location, where his brother was shot dead, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where James Wray and the second person were killed.

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

"I assisted with my brother and place 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 died on Bloody Sunday
William Curtis
William Curtis

A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories and sharing knowledge on diverse topics.