How the Prosecution of a Former Soldier Over Bloody Sunday Ended in Not Guilty Verdict

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

January 30th, 1972 is remembered as one of the most fatal – and consequential – dates during thirty years of violence in Northern Ireland.

Within the community where it happened – the images of that fateful day are visible on the buildings and etched in public consciousness.

A public gathering was held on a cold but bright period in Derry.

The protest was a protest against the practice of detention without trial – imprisoning people without due process – which had been implemented following three years of violence.

Fr Edward Daly displayed a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to shield a group moving a teenager, Jackie Duddy
Father Daly displayed a bloodied fabric in an effort to defend a assembly carrying a young man, Jackie Duddy

Troops from the Parachute Regiment shot dead multiple civilians in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly nationalist community.

A particular photograph became notably prominent.

Pictures showed a clergyman, Fr Edward Daly, using a bloodied cloth while attempting to defend a assembly moving a young man, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.

Journalists recorded extensive video on the day.

The archive contains Father Daly telling a journalist that military personnel "appeared to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "completely sure" that there was no provocation for the shooting.

Individuals in the neighborhood being marched towards detention by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in the neighborhood being marched towards detention by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of the incident was rejected by the first inquiry.

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

During the peace process, the ruling party established a fresh examination, following pressure by family members, who said Widgery had been a whitewash.

In 2010, the findings by the investigation said that generally, the military personnel had initiated shooting and that zero among the casualties had presented danger.

The contemporary government leader, David Cameron, issued an apology in the House of Commons – stating killings were "without justification and unjustifiable."

Kin of the casualties of the tragic event fatalities march from the Bogside area of Derry to the civic building carrying photographs of their loved ones
Relatives of the deceased of the tragic event shootings walk from the neighborhood of Derry to the Guildhall holding photographs of their family members

The police began to examine the incident.

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

Indictments were filed over the fatalities of one victim, 22, and 26-year-old the second individual.

The accused was further implicated of seeking to harm multiple individuals, other civilians, Joe Mahon, another person, and an unknown person.

Remains a legal order maintaining the defendant's anonymity, which his attorneys have maintained is essential because he is at threat.

He told the Saville Inquiry that he had solely shot at persons who were armed.

This assertion was rejected in the official findings.

Evidence from the inquiry could not be used immediately as proof in the criminal process.

In court, the accused was hidden from public with a protective barrier.

He addressed the court for the first time in the hearing at a proceeding in December 2024, to reply "innocent" when the charges were read.

Kin and supporters of those killed on the incident display a sign and photos of the victims
Relatives and allies of the victims on Bloody Sunday carry a placard and images of those killed

Relatives of those who were killed on Bloody Sunday travelled from Londonderry to Belfast Crown Court daily of the trial.

John Kelly, whose sibling was killed, said they were aware that attending the trial would be painful.

"I can see everything in my mind's eye," he said, as we walked around the key areas mentioned in the trial – from Rossville Street, where the victim was killed, to the adjacent the courtyard, where James Wray and the second person were killed.

"It returns me to where I was that day.

"I helped to carry my brother and lay him in the medical transport.

"I experienced again the entire event during the testimony.

"But even with experiencing everything – it's still meaningful for me."

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were included who were killed on the incident
Teresa Schultz
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