How the Prosecution of an Army Veteran Regarding Bloody Sunday Concluded in Acquittal

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

Sunday 30 January 1972 is remembered as among the most deadly – and significant – dates in thirty years of conflict in Northern Ireland.

In the streets where it happened – the images of Bloody Sunday are visible on the structures and embedded in public consciousness.

A protest demonstration was held on a cold but bright afternoon in Londonderry.

The protest was a protest against the policy of internment – imprisoning people without due process – which had been implemented after an extended period of violence.

A Catholic priest displayed a white cloth stained with blood while attempting to defend a assembly carrying a teenager, the injured teenager
Fr Edward Daly waved a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to defend a group carrying a teenager, the injured teenager

Military personnel from the elite army unit fatally wounded 13 people in the neighborhood – which was, and still is, a overwhelmingly republican community.

A particular photograph became particularly iconic.

Pictures showed a clergyman, Father Daly, waving a stained with blood fabric in his effort to defend a crowd transporting a teenager, the injured teenager, who had been mortally injured.

Journalists documented much footage on the day.

Historical records includes Fr Daly telling a journalist that military personnel "appeared to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no reason for the discharge of weapons.

Individuals in the Bogside area being marched towards detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the district being directed to custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

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

The Widgery Tribunal determined the military had been shot at first.

Throughout the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government established a new investigation, following pressure by family members, who said the initial inquiry had been a whitewash.

That year, the conclusion by the inquiry said that overall, the paratroopers had initiated shooting and that none of the casualties had been armed.

At that time government leader, the leader, expressed regret in the Parliament – declaring killings were "improper and inexcusable."

Relatives of the casualties of the Bloody Sunday fatalities process from the district of Londonderry to the Guildhall holding images of their relatives
Kin of the deceased of the tragic event fatalities march from the neighborhood of the city to the civic building displaying pictures of their relatives

Law enforcement commenced look into the matter.

One former paratrooper, known as the defendant, was prosecuted for homicide.

Accusations were made concerning the killings of one victim, twenty-two, and 26-year-old William McKinney.

The defendant was additionally charged of trying to kill multiple individuals, other civilians, Joe Mahon, an additional individual, and an unnamed civilian.

There is a court ruling protecting the veteran's privacy, which his legal team have claimed is required because he is at risk of attack.

He stated to the investigation that he had only fired at individuals who were possessing firearms.

That claim was rejected in the concluding document.

Material from the examination would not be used immediately as proof in the legal proceedings.

In the dock, the defendant was hidden from public with a protective barrier.

He spoke for the initial occasion in court at a session in December 2024, to answer "innocent" when the charges were put to him.

Family members and supporters of the victims on Bloody Sunday display a sign and photos of those killed
Kin and advocates of the victims on the incident display a banner and images of the victims

Relatives of those who were killed on that day made the trip from Londonderry to Belfast Crown Court every day of the case.

John Kelly, whose relative was killed, said they were aware that attending the proceedings would be emotional.

"I visualize all details in my mind's eye," he said, as we examined the primary sites referenced in the trial – from the location, where Michael was killed, to the adjacent the area, where the individual and another victim were died.

"It reminds me to my location that day.

"I helped to carry the victim and put him in the ambulance.

"I experienced again every moment during the evidence.

"Despite having to go through everything – it's still valuable for me."

One victim (left) and Another victim (right) were among those who were killed on the incident
Vincent Chavez
Vincent Chavez

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger passionate about sharing insights on digital innovation and mindful living.