The Way this Prosecution of an Army Veteran Regarding Bloody Sunday Ended in Acquittal

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

January 30th, 1972 remains arguably the deadliest – and significant – dates during multiple decades of violence in this area.

Throughout the area where it happened – the images of Bloody Sunday are painted on the walls and etched in collective memory.

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

The march was a protest against the policy of internment – holding suspects without trial – which had been established following multiple years of unrest.

Father Daly waved a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to defend a group moving a teenager, the fatally wounded youth
Fr Edward Daly used a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to shield a assembly moving a teenager, the fatally wounded youth

Soldiers from the specialized division shot dead multiple civilians in the district – which was, and still is, a strongly nationalist population.

A specific visual became particularly prominent.

Images showed a religious figure, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a blood-stained white handkerchief in his effort to defend a assembly transporting a youth, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.

Journalists recorded considerable film on the day.

Historical records contains the priest explaining to a journalist that soldiers "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.

Civilians in the neighborhood being taken to arrest by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the neighborhood being marched towards arrest by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of events was rejected by the first inquiry.

The Widgery Tribunal determined the military had been attacked first.

In the negotiation period, the administration established a fresh examination, following pressure by surviving kin, who said the first investigation had been a cover-up.

In 2010, the conclusion by the inquiry said that on balance, the paratroopers had fired first and that none of the victims had posed any threat.

The contemporary Prime Minister, the leader, apologised in the Parliament – declaring killings were "unjustified and unacceptable."

Kin of the casualties of the 1972 incident shootings walk from the Bogside area of Derry to the Guildhall carrying photographs of their loved ones
Kin of the casualties of the tragic event shootings march from the Bogside area of Derry to the civic building displaying pictures of their family members

Authorities started to investigate the events.

One former paratrooper, identified as the accused, was brought to trial for homicide.

Accusations were made regarding the fatalities of one victim, twenty-two, and in his mid-twenties another victim.

The defendant was further implicated of seeking to harm multiple individuals, other civilians, further individuals, Michael Quinn, and an unnamed civilian.

Remains a legal order preserving the defendant's identity protection, which his legal team have maintained is required because he is at danger.

He told the Saville Inquiry that he had only fired at people who were possessing firearms.

That claim was disputed in the final report.

Evidence from the inquiry could not be used straightforwardly as evidence in the court case.

During the trial, the veteran was hidden from public behind a privacy screen.

He addressed the court for the opening instance in the hearing at a proceeding in December 2024, to answer "not guilty" when the accusations were presented.

Relatives and allies of the deceased on the incident display a sign and photos of the deceased
Kin and allies of the victims on that day carry a placard and images of the deceased

Kin of the victims on the incident journeyed from the city to Belfast Crown Court every day of the case.

One relative, whose sibling was fatally wounded, said they always knew that attending the proceedings would be painful.

"I remember the events in my recollection," John said, as we walked around the main locations referenced in the case – from the street, where the victim was killed, to the nearby Glenfada Park, where one victim and the second person were died.

"It returns me to where I was that day.

"I assisted with the victim and put him in the ambulance.

"I experienced again the entire event during the proceedings.

"Despite experiencing the process – it's still meaningful for me."

One victim (left) and Another victim (right) were included who were killed on the incident
Leonard Hardy
Leonard Hardy

A seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter in Central Europe.