The Way the Legal Case of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Case Dismissal

Protesters in a confrontation with army troops 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 – dates during thirty years of unrest in the region.

Within the community where events unfolded – the memories of the tragic events are visible on the walls and seared in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was conducted on a cold but bright period in the city.

The demonstration was a protest against the practice of imprisonment without charges – imprisoning people without trial – which had been implemented after an extended period of conflict.

A Catholic priest displayed a blood-stained handkerchief as he tried to shield a group transporting a young man, the fatally wounded youth
Father Daly waved a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to shield a group carrying a young man, the fatally wounded youth

Military personnel from the specialized division shot dead multiple civilians in the neighborhood – which was, and still is, a overwhelmingly republican area.

One image became especially memorable.

Pictures showed a clergyman, Fr Edward Daly, waving a bloodied white handkerchief as he tried to shield a group moving a young man, the injured teenager, who had been killed.

Media personnel captured extensive video on the day.

Documented accounts contains Fr Daly explaining to a journalist that military personnel "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no reason for the shooting.

Individuals in the neighborhood being directed to detention by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the neighborhood being marched towards detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday

This account of events was disputed by the original examination.

The first investigation concluded the soldiers had been attacked first.

During the peace process, the administration established a fresh examination, following pressure by bereaved relatives, who said Widgery had been a whitewash.

During 2010, the report by the investigation said that on balance, the soldiers had discharged weapons initially and that zero among the casualties had been armed.

The contemporary head of state, David Cameron, expressed regret in the government chamber – saying fatalities were "without justification and unacceptable."

Families of the casualties of the 1972 incident killings walk from the district of Derry to the municipal center holding photographs of their family members
Relatives of the casualties of the 1972 incident shootings march from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the municipal center displaying images of their family members

The police commenced look into the incident.

A military veteran, known as the defendant, was prosecuted for homicide.

He was charged concerning the killings of the first individual, in his twenties, and twenty-six-year-old the second individual.

The accused was additionally charged of attempting to murder Patrick O'Donnell, other civilians, further individuals, an additional individual, and an unidentified individual.

There is a court ruling preserving the veteran's anonymity, which his lawyers have claimed is essential because he is at risk of attack.

He testified the Saville Inquiry that he had only fired at persons who were possessing firearms.

The statement was dismissed in the concluding document.

Evidence from the investigation was unable to be used immediately as proof in the criminal process.

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

He made statements for the opening instance in the hearing at a session in that month, to answer "innocent" when the charges were put to him.

Family members and advocates of those killed on Bloody Sunday display a banner and images of those killed
Family members and allies of those killed on that day hold a placard and images of the deceased

Kin of the deceased on the incident journeyed from Derry to Belfast Crown Court each day of the trial.

A family member, whose brother Michael was died, said they understood that listening to the proceedings would be emotional.

"I remember the events in my memory," John said, as we examined the key areas discussed in the case – from the location, where his brother was shot dead, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where James Wray and the second person were fatally wounded.

"It returns me to my position that day.

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

"I relived the entire event during the testimony.

"Notwithstanding experiencing everything – it's still valuable for me."

James Wray (left) and Another victim (right) were included who were fatally wounded on the incident
Katherine Davis
Katherine Davis

A curious writer and lifelong learner passionate about uncovering hidden truths and sharing thought-provoking stories.