How this Prosecution of an Army Veteran Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Case Dismissal

Youths in a tense situation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a stand-off with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 stands as arguably the most deadly – and significant – days throughout three decades of conflict in this area.

Within the community where events unfolded – the memories of Bloody Sunday are visible on the buildings and etched in collective memory.

A civil rights march was organized on a chilly yet clear day in Derry.

The march was challenging the policy of imprisonment without charges – detaining individuals without due process – which had been established after an extended period of unrest.

A Catholic priest displayed a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to protect a crowd moving a young man, the fatally wounded youth
Father Daly displayed a white cloth stained with blood while attempting to shield a group transporting a teenager, the fatally wounded youth

Soldiers from the Parachute Regiment shot dead multiple civilians in the Bogside area – which was, and still is, a predominantly Irish nationalist area.

One image became notably iconic.

Pictures showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a blood-stained cloth in his effort to protect a group transporting a teenager, the injured teenager, who had been mortally injured.

News camera operators captured extensive video on the day.

Historical records includes Fr Daly explaining to a journalist that military personnel "appeared to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "completely sure" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.

Individuals in the neighborhood being taken to custody by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the Bogside area being directed to detention by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of what happened was disputed by the first inquiry.

The first investigation concluded the military had been shot at first.

In the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government set up another inquiry, in response to advocacy by surviving kin, who said the first investigation had been a whitewash.

During 2010, the findings by Lord Saville said that on balance, the soldiers had discharged weapons initially and that zero among the individuals had been armed.

At that time Prime Minister, the leader, expressed regret in the government chamber – saying deaths were "improper and inexcusable."

Relatives of the casualties of the tragic event fatalities walk from the district of Derry to the municipal center displaying images of their loved ones
Families of the casualties of the Bloody Sunday shootings march from the neighborhood of Derry to the municipal center displaying images of their relatives

Law enforcement started to examine the incident.

An ex-soldier, known as the defendant, was prosecuted for murder.

Accusations were made concerning the deaths of James Wray, twenty-two, and 26-year-old the second individual.

The defendant was additionally charged of attempting to murder several people, other civilians, more people, an additional individual, and an unidentified individual.

Exists a judicial decision preserving the defendant's identity protection, which his lawyers have argued is essential because he is at risk of attack.

He testified the investigation that he had only fired at individuals who were carrying weapons.

That claim was rejected in the concluding document.

Information from the inquiry could not be used directly as testimony in the court case.

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

He spoke for the first time in the hearing at a hearing in that month, to answer "not responsible" when the allegations were read.

Kin and allies of the victims on that day display a sign and images of the victims
Relatives and advocates of those killed on the incident hold a banner and photos of those killed

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

John Kelly, whose sibling was killed, said they understood that hearing the case would be emotional.

"I can see all details in my recollection," the relative said, as we walked around the main locations mentioned in the case – from Rossville Street, where his brother was shot dead, to the nearby the courtyard, where the individual and another victim were killed.

"It returns me to where I was that day.

"I assisted with the victim and place him in the medical transport.

"I experienced again each detail during the proceedings.

"Notwithstanding experiencing the process – it's still worthwhile for me."

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) were included who were fatally wounded on the incident
Amber Miller
Amber Miller

A passionate nutritionist and food blogger dedicated to promoting wellness through fresh, sustainable eating habits.