How the Trial of an Army Veteran Regarding Bloody Sunday Concluded in Acquittal

Protesters in a tense situation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a tense situation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 remains arguably the most fatal – and consequential – dates during three decades of violence in this area.

In the streets where it happened – the legacy of that fateful day are displayed on the walls and seared in collective memory.

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

The march was challenging the policy of detention without trial – holding suspects without trial – which had been established after three years of violence.

A Catholic priest displayed a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to protect a group carrying a teenager, the fatally wounded youth
A Catholic priest used a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to defend a crowd transporting a teenager, the injured teenager

Soldiers from the specialized division killed 13 people in the district – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly Irish nationalist area.

One image became particularly prominent.

Images showed a clergyman, the priest, waving a blood-stained cloth while attempting to protect a assembly carrying a teenager, Jackie Duddy, who had been mortally injured.

Media personnel recorded much footage on the day.

Historical records features Father Daly telling a journalist that military personnel "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.

Civilians in the district being taken to detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the district being taken to detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of events was rejected by the original examination.

The initial inquiry concluded the soldiers had been shot at first.

In the resolution efforts, the administration commissioned a new investigation, following pressure by bereaved relatives, who said the first investigation had been a inadequate investigation.

That year, the report by Lord Saville said that generally, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that not one of the victims had been armed.

The contemporary head of state, the leader, expressed regret in the Parliament – declaring deaths were "unjustified and unacceptable."

Relatives of the victims of the Bloody Sunday shootings march from the district of Londonderry to the civic building displaying photographs of their loved ones
Relatives of the deceased of the Bloody Sunday fatalities march from the neighborhood of the city to the civic building carrying pictures of their relatives

Authorities began to investigate the events.

One former paratrooper, identified as the defendant, was charged for murder.

He was charged concerning the deaths of the first individual, in his twenties, and 26-year-old the second individual.

Soldier F was also accused of seeking to harm several people, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, another person, and an unknown person.

Remains a judicial decision maintaining the soldier's privacy, which his legal team have argued is necessary because he is at threat.

He told the investigation that he had solely shot at people who were possessing firearms.

The statement was disputed in the concluding document.

Material from the inquiry was unable to be used directly as proof in the criminal process.

In court, the accused was hidden from public with a blue curtain.

He made statements for the initial occasion in court at a proceeding in that month, to reply "innocent" when the charges were put to him.

Kin and allies of those killed on the incident hold a banner and photos of those killed
Relatives and advocates of those killed on Bloody Sunday display a placard and photographs of the victims

Family members of the victims on Bloody Sunday made the trip from Londonderry to the courthouse every day of the trial.

A family member, whose relative was killed, said they always knew that hearing the trial would be emotional.

"I visualize everything in my recollection," John said, as we walked around the primary sites discussed in the proceedings – from the street, where his brother was killed, to the nearby the courtyard, where one victim and another victim were died.

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

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

"I experienced again each detail during the proceedings.

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

James Wray (left) and Another victim (right) were part of who were died on Bloody Sunday
Susan Brown
Susan Brown

A mindfulness coach and writer passionate about helping others unlock their potential through daily practices and self-reflection.