How the Trial of an Army Veteran Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Acquittal

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

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

In the streets of the incident – the memories of Bloody Sunday are visible on the walls and etched in people's minds.

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

The protest was opposing the practice of detention without trial – imprisoning people without trial – which had been implemented in response to multiple years of violence.

A Catholic priest waved a bloodied fabric while attempting to shield a group carrying a teenager, Jackie Duddy
Father Daly used a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to protect a group moving a young man, the injured teenager

Soldiers from the Parachute Regiment killed thirteen individuals in the neighborhood – which was, and still is, a overwhelmingly republican population.

A specific visual became notably iconic.

Images showed a religious figure, the priest, using a stained with blood fabric as he tried to shield a crowd carrying a young man, the injured teenager, who had been mortally injured.

News camera operators captured extensive video on the day.

Historical records features Fr Daly telling a reporter that troops "appeared to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "completely sure" that there was no reason for the gunfire.

Individuals in the neighborhood being marched towards detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the neighborhood being marched towards custody by British troops on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of the incident was rejected by the initial investigation.

The Widgery Tribunal determined the soldiers had been shot at first.

In the negotiation period, the ruling party set up a new investigation, after campaigning by family members, who said the initial inquiry had been a whitewash.

During 2010, the report by the inquiry said that overall, the paratroopers had fired first and that not one of the casualties had presented danger.

At that time Prime Minister, the leader, apologised in the government chamber – saying fatalities were "improper and inexcusable."

Kin of the victims of the tragic event fatalities process from the Bogside area of Derry to the Guildhall carrying photographs of their family members
Families of the casualties of the tragic event fatalities process from the district of Londonderry to the Guildhall carrying pictures of their relatives

The police began to investigate the incident.

A military veteran, identified as the defendant, was brought to trial for killing.

Indictments were filed regarding the deaths of James Wray, 22, and in his mid-twenties the second individual.

Soldier F was additionally charged of trying to kill Patrick O'Donnell, other civilians, more people, an additional individual, and an unknown person.

Exists a court ruling maintaining the defendant's privacy, which his legal team have maintained is essential because he is at danger.

He testified the investigation that he had solely shot at individuals who were carrying weapons.

That claim was dismissed in the concluding document.

Evidence from the investigation could not be used directly as proof in the legal proceedings.

During the trial, the accused was shielded from sight with a protective barrier.

He addressed the court for the first time in the hearing at a proceeding in that month, to respond "not guilty" when the charges were read.

Family members and allies of those killed on Bloody Sunday carry a placard and photographs of the deceased
Relatives and supporters of those killed on Bloody Sunday display a banner and photographs of those killed

Relatives of the victims on that day made the trip from Derry to Belfast Crown Court every day of the proceedings.

One relative, whose brother Michael was died, said they understood that hearing the trial would be difficult.

"I remember everything in my recollection," the relative said, as we walked around the primary sites mentioned in the trial – from Rossville Street, where his brother was fatally wounded, to the adjacent the courtyard, where the individual and the second person were killed.

"It returns me to my location that day.

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

"I experienced again every moment during the testimony.

"Despite having to go through the process – it's still valuable for me."

James Wray (left) and Another victim (right) were part of who were killed on the incident
Samantha Hood
Samantha Hood

A passionate journalist with a knack for uncovering compelling stories and delivering insightful analysis.