The Way this Prosecution of a Former Soldier Over Bloody Sunday Ended in Case Dismissal

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

January 30th, 1972 stands as among the most deadly – and significant – days during thirty years of unrest in the region.

Within the community where it happened – the memories of Bloody Sunday are displayed on the walls and embedded in public consciousness.

A protest demonstration was held on a wintry, sunny afternoon in Londonderry.

The demonstration was opposing the policy of imprisonment without charges – holding suspects without trial – which had been put in place in response to an extended period of conflict.

A Catholic priest waved a bloodied fabric in an effort to defend a group carrying a young man, the injured teenager
A Catholic priest waved a bloodied fabric while attempting to shield a crowd transporting a young man, Jackie Duddy

Military personnel from the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 people in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a strongly nationalist area.

A specific visual became notably prominent.

Pictures showed a clergyman, the priest, displaying a bloodied cloth while attempting to shield a assembly moving a teenager, the injured teenager, who had been fatally wounded.

News camera operators recorded extensive video on the day.

Documented accounts includes the priest explaining to a reporter that troops "gave the impression they would discharge weapons randomly" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no provocation for the shooting.

Civilians in the neighborhood being marched towards detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the neighborhood being taken to custody by British troops on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of what happened was rejected by the initial investigation.

The first investigation found the Army had been shot at first.

In the resolution efforts, the ruling party commissioned another inquiry, in response to advocacy by bereaved relatives, who said Widgery had been a cover-up.

That year, the conclusion by the investigation said that on balance, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that none of the victims had posed any threat.

The contemporary head of state, the leader, issued an apology in the government chamber – declaring deaths were "improper and inexcusable."

Relatives of the victims of the 1972 incident killings process from the Bogside area of Derry to the Guildhall displaying photographs of their loved ones
Families of the casualties of the tragic event killings process from the neighborhood of the city to the civic building displaying pictures of their family members

The police commenced look into the incident.

A military veteran, referred to as Soldier F, was prosecuted for killing.

He was charged over the killings of James Wray, 22, and twenty-six-year-old the second individual.

The defendant was further implicated of trying to kill multiple individuals, Joseph Friel, further individuals, another person, and an unknown person.

Remains a court ruling preserving the soldier's identity protection, which his attorneys have claimed is essential because he is at danger.

He told the investigation that he had solely shot at people who were armed.

This assertion was rejected in the concluding document.

Material from the examination could not be used directly as proof in the criminal process.

In the dock, the defendant was screened from view using a protective barrier.

He spoke for the opening instance in court at a session in that month, to reply "not responsible" when the allegations were presented.

Kin and supporters of those killed on the incident hold a placard and photos of the victims
Relatives and supporters of the victims on the incident hold a placard and images of those killed

Family members of those who were killed on Bloody Sunday journeyed from Derry to Belfast Crown Court every day of the trial.

A family member, whose sibling was killed, said they were aware that listening to the proceedings would be painful.

"I can see all details in my recollection," the relative said, as we visited the primary sites mentioned in the case – from Rossville Street, where the victim was killed, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where one victim and William McKinney were killed.

"It returns me to my position that day.

"I assisted with my brother and put him in the medical transport.

"I went through every moment during the testimony.

"But even with experiencing all that – it's still valuable for me."

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were among those who were fatally wounded on Bloody Sunday
Melissa Moore
Melissa Moore

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