The Way this Legal Case of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Acquittal
January 30th, 1972 stands as arguably the deadliest – and momentous – dates throughout multiple decades of conflict in Northern Ireland.
Throughout the area where it happened – the memories of the tragic events are visible on the walls and embedded in collective memory.
A civil rights march was held on a chilly yet clear afternoon in Londonderry.
The demonstration was opposing the system of internment – holding suspects without due process – which had been put in place following an extended period of violence.
Military personnel from the elite army unit fatally wounded multiple civilians in the neighborhood – which was, and remains, a overwhelmingly nationalist population.
One image became particularly prominent.
Images showed a clergyman, Father Daly, using a stained with blood cloth as he tried to defend a assembly transporting a youth, the injured teenager, who had been mortally injured.
Journalists recorded extensive video on the day.
Historical records includes Fr Daly explaining to a media representative that soldiers "appeared to fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.
This account of the incident wasn't accepted by the original examination.
The Widgery Tribunal determined the soldiers had been attacked first.
Throughout the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government commissioned a new investigation, following pressure by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a inadequate investigation.
During 2010, the findings by Lord Saville said that overall, the military personnel had fired first and that none of the individuals had posed any threat.
The then government leader, the Prime Minister, apologised in the government chamber – saying killings were "unjustified and inexcusable."
Law enforcement commenced examine the incident.
One former paratrooper, referred to as Soldier F, was charged for murder.
Indictments were filed regarding the deaths of one victim, twenty-two, and in his mid-twenties the second individual.
The accused was also accused of seeking to harm multiple individuals, additional persons, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and an unknown person.
There is a judicial decision maintaining the defendant's identity protection, which his attorneys have claimed is essential because he is at risk of attack.
He stated to the Saville Inquiry that he had solely shot at individuals who were armed.
This assertion was rejected in the final report.
Evidence from the inquiry was unable to be used immediately as evidence in the legal proceedings.
In court, the defendant was shielded from sight using a protective barrier.
He addressed the court for the opening instance in the proceedings at a session in that month, to reply "not guilty" when the accusations were presented.
Kin of the victims on the incident journeyed from Londonderry to the courthouse daily of the case.
A family member, whose sibling was died, said they were aware that listening to the case would be difficult.
"I remember all details in my memory," John said, as we visited the key areas mentioned in the proceedings – from the location, where the victim was shot dead, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where James Wray and William McKinney were fatally wounded.
"It even takes me back to my position that day.
"I participated in moving my brother and place him in the medical transport.
"I relived each detail during the evidence.
"But even with enduring all that – it's still worthwhile for me."