The Way this Prosecution of an Army Veteran Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Not Guilty Verdict
January 30th, 1972 stands as among the most fatal – and significant – days during thirty years of unrest in this area.
Throughout the area where events unfolded – the legacy of Bloody Sunday are painted on the structures and etched in public consciousness.
A civil rights march was held on a cold but bright afternoon in the city.
The demonstration was opposing the policy of detention without trial – imprisoning people without legal proceedings – which had been put in place after three years of conflict.
Troops from the Parachute Regiment fatally wounded thirteen individuals in the district – which was, and continues to be, a overwhelmingly nationalist community.
One image became particularly prominent.
Photographs showed a religious figure, Fr Edward Daly, using a bloodied cloth in his effort to shield a assembly carrying a teenager, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.
Journalists captured extensive video on the day.
Historical records includes Father Daly informing a media representative that soldiers "just seemed to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.
This account of what happened wasn't accepted by the initial investigation.
The Widgery Tribunal determined the military had been shot at first.
During the resolution efforts, the administration established a fresh examination, following pressure by family members, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.
That year, the conclusion by the investigation said that generally, the soldiers had initiated shooting and that zero among the casualties had been armed.
The contemporary head of state, David Cameron, apologised in the House of Commons – saying deaths were "unjustified and inexcusable."
The police began to investigate the events.
One former paratrooper, referred to as the defendant, was prosecuted for killing.
Indictments were filed concerning the fatalities of James Wray, in his twenties, and in his mid-twenties the second individual.
The defendant was further implicated of attempting to murder several people, additional persons, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and an unnamed civilian.
Remains a legal order protecting the defendant's anonymity, which his legal team have maintained is required because he is at danger.
He stated to the examination that he had solely shot at persons who were armed.
The statement was rejected in the concluding document.
Information from the examination was unable to be used directly as evidence in the court case.
In the dock, the veteran was shielded from sight with a protective barrier.
He made statements for the opening instance in court at a session in that month, to reply "innocent" when the accusations were presented.
Family members of those who were killed on the incident journeyed from Londonderry to the courthouse every day of the proceedings.
One relative, whose relative was fatally wounded, said they always knew that hearing the trial would be emotional.
"I remember the events in my memory," John said, as we walked around the key areas discussed in the proceedings – from Rossville Street, where his brother was fatally wounded, to the nearby the courtyard, where one victim and William McKinney were fatally wounded.
"It even takes me back to my location that day.
"I assisted with Michael and place him in the vehicle.
"I experienced again the entire event during the evidence.
"Despite enduring everything – it's still valuable for me."