How this Legal Case of a Former Soldier Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Not Guilty Verdict

Youths in a tense situation with army troops on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a stand-off with army troops on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 stands as among the most fatal – and momentous – occasions throughout three decades of conflict in this area.

Throughout the area of the incident – the images of Bloody Sunday are painted on the buildings and seared in public consciousness.

A protest demonstration was held on a chilly yet clear period in Londonderry.

The demonstration was a protest against the system of imprisonment without charges – holding suspects without due process – which had been implemented following three years of violence.

Father Daly displayed a blood-stained handkerchief as he tried to protect a assembly moving a teenager, the fatally wounded youth
Fr Edward Daly used a bloodied fabric as he tried to protect a group carrying a youth, the injured teenager

Military personnel from the specialized division killed 13 people in the district – which was, and remains, a predominantly nationalist population.

A specific visual became notably memorable.

Pictures showed a religious figure, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a blood-stained white handkerchief while attempting to defend a assembly transporting a young man, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.

News camera operators documented considerable film on the day.

Historical records includes Father Daly telling a journalist that military personnel "appeared to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.

Protesters in the Bogside area being marched towards detention by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the district being marched towards detention by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

This account of events wasn't accepted by the initial investigation.

The initial inquiry determined the soldiers had been shot at first.

In the resolution efforts, the administration commissioned another inquiry, after campaigning by surviving kin, who said the initial inquiry had been a inadequate investigation.

In 2010, the report by Lord Saville said that overall, the paratroopers had fired first and that none of the casualties had posed any threat.

The contemporary Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, issued an apology in the government chamber – saying killings were "improper and inexcusable."

Relatives of the deceased of the tragic event killings march from the neighborhood of Derry to the Guildhall displaying images of their relatives
Families of the casualties of the tragic event killings walk from the Bogside area of Derry to the municipal center holding pictures of their relatives

The police began to look into the events.

One former paratrooper, referred to as the defendant, was charged for killing.

Accusations were made over the killings of the first individual, 22, and in his mid-twenties William McKinney.

Soldier F was also accused of attempting to murder multiple individuals, Joseph Friel, more people, another person, and an unnamed civilian.

Remains a legal order preserving the soldier's anonymity, which his attorneys have maintained is required because he is at danger.

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

That claim was dismissed in the final report.

Material from the investigation could not be used straightforwardly as testimony in the criminal process.

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

He spoke for the opening instance in the hearing at a session in December 2024, to respond "not responsible" when the accusations were read.

Family members and supporters of the deceased on Bloody Sunday display a placard and images of the deceased
Family members and advocates of the victims on that day hold a placard and photographs of the victims

Family members of the victims on Bloody Sunday journeyed from Derry to the judicial building daily of the case.

A family member, whose sibling was died, said they understood that hearing the trial would be difficult.

"I can see everything in my mind's eye," the relative said, as we examined the key areas referenced in the proceedings – from the street, where Michael was killed, to the adjacent the courtyard, where the individual and the second person were died.

"It even takes me back to my position that day.

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

"I went through the entire event during the proceedings.

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

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were among those who were died on Bloody Sunday
Jennifer Keith
Jennifer Keith

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