The Way this Prosecution of an Army Veteran Over Bloody Sunday Concluded in Not Guilty Verdict
Sunday 30 January 1972 stands as arguably the most fatal – and consequential – dates in multiple decades of violence in the region.
Within the community of the incident – the legacy of the tragic events are painted on the walls and etched in people's minds.
A civil rights march was held on a wintry, sunny period in the city.
The demonstration was opposing the system of imprisonment without charges – imprisoning people without due process – which had been implemented following three years of unrest.
Troops from the elite army unit fatally wounded thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and still is, a predominantly nationalist population.
A particular photograph became especially memorable.
Pictures showed a Catholic priest, the priest, using a bloodied white handkerchief in his effort to defend a group transporting a teenager, Jackie Duddy, who had been mortally injured.
Journalists captured extensive video on the day.
Historical records includes the priest informing a reporter that military personnel "just seemed to fire in all directions" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no provocation for the gunfire.
The narrative of the incident was rejected by the original examination.
The first investigation found the soldiers had been shot at first.
Throughout the resolution efforts, the ruling party set up a fresh examination, after campaigning by family members, who said the first investigation had been a inadequate investigation.
During 2010, the report by Lord Saville said that on balance, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that none of the casualties had posed any threat.
The then head of state, the leader, expressed regret in the government chamber – declaring fatalities were "improper and inexcusable."
The police began to examine the incident.
A military veteran, referred to as Soldier F, was charged for killing.
He was charged concerning the killings of the first individual, twenty-two, and 26-year-old the second individual.
The accused was additionally charged of trying to kill multiple individuals, other civilians, Joe Mahon, another person, and an unknown person.
Exists a legal order maintaining the soldier's anonymity, which his lawyers have argued is essential because he is at threat.
He testified the examination that he had solely shot at people who were carrying weapons.
That claim was disputed in the final report.
Evidence from the investigation would not be used straightforwardly as proof in the criminal process.
During the trial, the veteran was hidden from public behind a privacy screen.
He made statements for the opening instance in court at a session in that month, to reply "not guilty" when the accusations were presented.
Family members of the deceased on Bloody Sunday journeyed from Derry to the judicial building every day of the case.
John Kelly, whose relative was died, said they understood that attending the trial would be painful.
"I visualize all details in my recollection," he said, as we examined the key areas mentioned in the proceedings – from the street, where Michael was killed, to the adjoining the area, where one victim and the second person were fatally wounded.
"It reminds me to where I was that day.
"I helped to carry Michael and place him in the medical transport.
"I experienced again every moment during the proceedings.
"Notwithstanding having to go through the process – it's still worthwhile for me."