The Way the Trial of an Army Veteran Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Case Dismissal

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

Sunday 30 January 1972 remains arguably the deadliest – and significant – dates in three decades of conflict in the region.

In the streets where it happened – the legacy of that fateful day are painted on the buildings and seared in public consciousness.

A protest demonstration was organized on a chilly yet clear day in Derry.

The protest was opposing the policy of imprisonment without charges – detaining individuals without trial – which had been established in response to three years of unrest.

Father Daly waved a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to shield a group transporting a youth, the fatally wounded youth
A Catholic priest used a bloodied fabric while attempting to shield a group carrying a youth, the fatally wounded youth

Troops from the Parachute Regiment fatally wounded thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and remains, a strongly republican area.

A specific visual became notably prominent.

Pictures showed a clergyman, the priest, displaying a blood-stained cloth while attempting to defend a assembly moving a youth, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.

Media personnel documented much footage on the day.

Historical records features Fr Daly explaining to a media representative that military personnel "just seemed to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.

Civilians in the Bogside area being taken to arrest by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in the Bogside area being taken to detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of what happened wasn't accepted by the first inquiry.

The Widgery Tribunal found the Army had been shot at first.

During the peace process, Tony Blair's government set up a new investigation, in response to advocacy by family members, who said the initial inquiry had been a whitewash.

That year, the report by Lord Saville said that generally, the soldiers had initiated shooting and that none of the individuals had been armed.

At that time head of state, the Prime Minister, expressed regret in the Parliament – declaring deaths were "without justification and inexcusable."

Kin of the victims of the 1972 incident fatalities march from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the civic building holding pictures of their loved ones
Families of the victims of the 1972 incident shootings march from the Bogside area of Derry to the municipal center holding photographs of their relatives

The police commenced investigate the matter.

An ex-soldier, identified as the accused, was brought to trial for homicide.

He was charged concerning the fatalities of James Wray, twenty-two, and 26-year-old the second individual.

The accused was additionally charged of seeking to harm several people, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, an additional individual, and an unidentified individual.

Exists a court ruling maintaining the defendant's privacy, which his attorneys have claimed is required because he is at threat.

He testified the investigation that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at persons who were armed.

That claim was disputed in the concluding document.

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

In court, the accused was screened from view with a protective barrier.

He addressed the court for the opening instance in the proceedings at a session in that month, to answer "not responsible" when the accusations were presented.

Kin and advocates of those killed on the incident carry a sign and photographs of the deceased
Relatives and allies of the victims on the incident carry a placard and photos of those killed

Family members of those who were killed on that day travelled from Londonderry to the judicial building each day of the trial.

A family member, whose brother Michael was fatally wounded, said they always knew that listening to the trial would be painful.

"I visualize all details in my mind's eye," he said, as we examined the primary sites mentioned in the proceedings – from the street, where the victim was shot dead, to the adjoining the courtyard, where James Wray and the second person were died.

"It reminds me to my location that day.

"I assisted with Michael and lay him in the ambulance.

"I experienced again every moment during the testimony.

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

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were killed on the incident
Amber Palmer
Amber Palmer

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