The Way the Trial of an Army Veteran Regarding Bloody Sunday Concluded in Not Guilty Verdict

Youths in a tense situation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a stand-off with military personnel on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 remains among the most fatal – and significant – occasions during three decades of violence in this area.

Within the community where it happened – the memories of that fateful day are painted on the structures and seared in public consciousness.

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

The demonstration was challenging the system of imprisonment without charges – detaining individuals without legal proceedings – which had been put in place following multiple years of conflict.

Father Daly waved a bloodied fabric while attempting to protect a group carrying a teenager, Jackie Duddy
Fr Edward Daly displayed a bloodied fabric as he tried to protect a group moving a young man, Jackie Duddy

Military personnel from the elite army unit killed multiple civilians in the neighborhood – which was, and still is, a strongly republican community.

One image became especially memorable.

Photographs showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, waving a bloodied white handkerchief in his effort to protect a assembly transporting a young man, Jackie Duddy, who had been mortally injured.

News camera operators captured much footage on the day.

Documented accounts includes Father Daly explaining to a reporter that military personnel "appeared to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no reason for the shooting.

Protesters in the Bogside area being marched towards custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the Bogside area being directed to arrest by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of what happened wasn't accepted by the first inquiry.

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

During the resolution efforts, the administration commissioned another inquiry, after campaigning by family members, who said the first investigation had been a cover-up.

In 2010, the conclusion by the inquiry said that generally, the soldiers had discharged weapons initially and that none of the victims had presented danger.

The contemporary head of state, David Cameron, apologised in the House of Commons – saying killings were "improper and unjustifiable."

Kin of the deceased of the tragic event killings process from the district of Derry to the municipal center holding images of their family members
Relatives of the deceased of the Bloody Sunday fatalities walk from the Bogside area of Derry to the municipal center holding images of their relatives

Authorities began to investigate the matter.

A military veteran, known as the defendant, was charged for murder.

Indictments were filed over the killings of James Wray, in his twenties, and in his mid-twenties William McKinney.

The defendant was further implicated of trying to kill Patrick O'Donnell, additional persons, more people, an additional individual, and an unidentified individual.

Exists a judicial decision maintaining the soldier's privacy, which his legal team have claimed is required because he is at risk of attack.

He stated to the Saville Inquiry that he had solely shot at persons who were possessing firearms.

That claim was dismissed in the final report.

Evidence from the inquiry would not be used straightforwardly as proof in the criminal process.

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

He spoke for the first time in the hearing at a proceeding in that month, to respond "not responsible" when the allegations were presented.

Family members and allies of those killed on that day carry a placard and photographs of those killed
Kin and advocates of the victims on the incident display a sign and photos of those killed

Relatives of those who were killed on the incident travelled from Derry to the courthouse daily of the proceedings.

A family member, whose sibling was fatally wounded, said they were aware that hearing the trial would be difficult.

"I remember all details in my memory," he said, as we walked around the main locations mentioned in the proceedings – from the street, where the victim was shot dead, to the nearby the courtyard, where James Wray and another victim were died.

"It returns me to where I was that day.

"I helped to carry Michael and lay him in the ambulance.

"I relived each detail during the evidence.

"But even with enduring all that – it's still meaningful for me."

One victim (left) and Another victim (right) were among those who were killed on the incident
Rachel Wright
Rachel Wright

A passionate writer and cultural enthusiast with a keen eye for emerging trends and vibrant storytelling.