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

Protesters in a confrontation with army troops on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a confrontation with army troops on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 stands as among the deadliest – and consequential – dates in multiple decades of violence in this area.

Within the community of the incident – the memories of that fateful day are painted on the walls and embedded in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was held on a chilly yet clear day in Derry.

The demonstration was a protest against the policy of internment – holding suspects without due process – which had been implemented following an extended period of violence.

Father Daly used a white cloth stained with blood while attempting to defend a assembly transporting a young man, the fatally wounded youth
Father Daly displayed a blood-stained handkerchief in an effort to shield a group carrying a young man, the injured teenager

Soldiers from the Parachute Regiment shot dead thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a strongly nationalist area.

A particular photograph became especially prominent.

Images showed a Catholic priest, Father Daly, using a blood-stained fabric as he tried to protect a assembly moving a young man, the fatally wounded individual, who had been killed.

Journalists recorded considerable film on the day.

The archive features Father Daly informing a media representative that soldiers "appeared to fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no provocation for the shooting.

Individuals in the Bogside area being directed to arrest by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the neighborhood being marched towards arrest by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

This account of events was disputed by the first inquiry.

The initial inquiry concluded the Army had been attacked first.

Throughout the peace process, Tony Blair's government commissioned another inquiry, after campaigning by family members, who said the first investigation had been a whitewash.

During 2010, the findings by Lord Saville said that on balance, the soldiers had initiated shooting and that not one of the victims had been armed.

The then head of state, David Cameron, issued an apology in the House of Commons – declaring fatalities were "without justification and inexcusable."

Relatives of the victims of the 1972 incident killings process from the Bogside area of Derry to the civic building holding photographs of their loved ones
Families of the casualties of the tragic event killings process from the district of Londonderry to the Guildhall holding pictures of their relatives

The police began to investigate the matter.

One former paratrooper, known as the defendant, was prosecuted for homicide.

He was charged concerning the deaths of James Wray, in his twenties, and 26-year-old William McKinney.

The defendant was further implicated of trying to kill several people, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, an additional individual, and an unnamed civilian.

There is a court ruling protecting the defendant's identity protection, which his lawyers have claimed is required because he is at danger.

He stated to the Saville Inquiry that he had only fired at persons who were carrying weapons.

The statement was rejected in the concluding document.

Evidence from the inquiry would not be used straightforwardly as evidence in the legal proceedings.

During the trial, the accused was screened from view with a protective barrier.

He made statements for the first time in court at a proceeding in that month, to respond "not responsible" when the charges were put to him.

Family members and allies of the deceased on Bloody Sunday carry a placard and photographs of those killed
Relatives and advocates of the victims on Bloody Sunday carry a sign and images of those killed

Kin of those who were killed on that day journeyed from Londonderry to the courthouse each day of the case.

A family member, whose relative was died, said they understood that hearing the proceedings would be painful.

"I can see the events in my mind's eye," he said, as we visited the primary sites mentioned in the trial – from the street, where the victim was killed, to the adjacent the area, where one victim and the second person were died.

"It returns me to where I was that day.

"I assisted with Michael and place him in the vehicle.

"I went through each detail during the proceedings.

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

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were died on the incident
Curtis Meyer
Curtis Meyer

A passionate writer and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in creating engaging content for niche audiences.