How the Trial of a Former Soldier Regarding Bloody Sunday Ended in Case Dismissal

Youths in a tense situation with army troops on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a confrontation with army troops on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 is remembered as one of the most fatal – and significant – occasions in thirty years of conflict in this area.

Within the community where it happened – the legacy of the tragic events are painted on the buildings and etched in people's minds.

A public gathering was organized on a wintry, sunny afternoon in Derry.

The protest was opposing the policy of detention without trial – holding suspects without legal proceedings – which had been established in response to multiple years of conflict.

A Catholic priest used a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to defend a assembly moving a young man, the fatally wounded youth
Fr Edward Daly displayed a bloodied fabric as he tried to shield a crowd moving a teenager, the injured teenager

Soldiers from the elite army unit fatally wounded multiple civilians in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly Irish nationalist community.

A particular photograph became notably memorable.

Photographs showed a Catholic priest, the priest, displaying a blood-stained fabric while attempting to protect a group carrying a youth, the fatally wounded individual, who had been killed.

News camera operators documented extensive video on the day.

Documented accounts includes the priest informing a media representative that troops "gave the impression they would discharge weapons randomly" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no provocation for the discharge of weapons.

Protesters in the Bogside area being directed to arrest by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the Bogside area being marched towards detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday

This account of events wasn't accepted by the first inquiry.

The initial inquiry determined the Army had been fired upon initially.

During the negotiation period, the ruling party set up a fresh examination, after campaigning by surviving kin, who said the first investigation had been a inadequate investigation.

That year, the conclusion by the inquiry said that generally, the paratroopers had initiated shooting and that not one of the victims had posed any threat.

The then Prime Minister, David Cameron, issued an apology in the Parliament – stating deaths were "improper and inexcusable."

Families of the deceased of the Bloody Sunday shootings walk from the neighborhood of Derry to the Guildhall displaying images of their loved ones
Kin of the victims of the 1972 incident killings walk from the Bogside area of Derry to the municipal center holding images of their loved ones

Law enforcement started to investigate the events.

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

Accusations were made concerning the deaths of James Wray, 22, and 26-year-old William McKinney.

The defendant was further implicated of seeking to harm Patrick O'Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, an additional individual, and an unnamed civilian.

Remains a court ruling maintaining the veteran's privacy, which his lawyers have argued is essential because he is at danger.

He stated to the investigation that he had solely shot at individuals who were armed.

The statement was rejected in the concluding document.

Evidence from the investigation would not be used directly as evidence in the court case.

During the trial, the accused was shielded from sight using a blue curtain.

He addressed the court for the initial occasion in the proceedings at a proceeding in that month, to respond "innocent" when the accusations were read.

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

Relatives of those who were killed on that day made the trip from Londonderry to Belfast Crown Court each day of the proceedings.

John Kelly, whose brother Michael was died, said they always knew that hearing the case would be difficult.

"I can see all details in my memory," John said, as we walked around the main locations discussed in the proceedings – from the street, where Michael was shot dead, to the nearby Glenfada Park, where James Wray and the second person were died.

"It even takes me back to where I was that day.

"I assisted with Michael and place him in the medical transport.

"I went through every moment during the testimony.

"Notwithstanding enduring all that – it's still worthwhile for me."

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were fatally wounded on Bloody Sunday
Gregory Perez
Gregory Perez

A technology and economic development expert based in Guilin, China.