The Way the Trial of an Army Veteran Over Bloody Sunday Ended in Case Dismissal

Protesters 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 deadly – and momentous – dates during three decades of unrest in the region.

In the streets of the incident – the legacy of that fateful day are displayed on the buildings and seared in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was conducted on a chilly yet clear day in the city.

The demonstration was opposing the policy of internment – imprisoning people without trial – which had been put in place following three years of violence.

Fr Edward Daly used a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to shield a group moving a youth, the injured teenager
Father Daly used a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to protect a crowd moving a youth, the injured teenager

Military personnel from the specialized division killed thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly republican population.

A specific visual became particularly iconic.

Photographs showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, waving a bloodied fabric in his effort to defend a assembly transporting a youth, the injured teenager, who had been mortally injured.

Media personnel captured extensive video on the day.

Documented accounts includes Fr Daly informing a reporter that soldiers "gave the impression they would shoot indiscriminately" and he was "completely sure" that there was no reason for the gunfire.

Civilians in the neighborhood being marched towards detention by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the Bogside area being marched towards arrest by British troops on Bloody Sunday

This account of events was disputed by the original examination.

The Widgery Tribunal determined the Army had been fired upon initially.

In the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government established a new investigation, in response to advocacy by family members, who said Widgery had been a whitewash.

That year, the findings by the investigation said that on balance, the military personnel had fired first and that none of the victims had posed any threat.

The then Prime Minister, the leader, apologised in the Parliament – saying deaths were "unjustified and unjustifiable."

Families of the victims of the Bloody Sunday killings walk from the Bogside area of Derry to the municipal center displaying pictures of their relatives
Families of the victims of the 1972 incident fatalities process from the district of Derry to the Guildhall holding pictures of their relatives

Law enforcement began to investigate the incident.

One former paratrooper, known as the defendant, was prosecuted for killing.

Accusations were made regarding the killings of one victim, in his twenties, and in his mid-twenties William McKinney.

The accused was further implicated of attempting to murder Patrick O'Donnell, other civilians, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.

Remains a judicial decision preserving the veteran's privacy, which his lawyers have claimed is essential because he is at danger.

He stated to the investigation that he had solely shot at persons who were carrying weapons.

This assertion was dismissed in the official findings.

Evidence from the investigation could not be used directly as evidence in the court case.

During the trial, the defendant was hidden from public using a blue curtain.

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

Family members and allies of those killed on Bloody Sunday carry a banner and photos of those killed
Family members and advocates of the victims on Bloody Sunday carry a placard and photographs of those killed

Kin of those who were killed on the incident travelled from Derry to the judicial building daily of the trial.

One relative, whose brother Michael was killed, said they always knew that attending the proceedings would be difficult.

"I remember all details in my mind's eye," the relative said, as we visited the main locations referenced in the proceedings – from the street, where the victim was killed, to the adjacent Glenfada Park, where James Wray and another victim were fatally wounded.

"It returns me to my location that day.

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

"I went through each detail during the testimony.

"Despite having to go through all that – it's still worthwhile for me."

James Wray (left) and Another victim (right) were included who were killed on the incident
Janice Jones
Janice Jones

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