A former Press Associationjournalist today told the Saville Inquiry in Derry he was given graphic pictures of the Bloody Sunday victims on the night of the killings.
Mr John Cooke was based at PA's London office in 1972 but travelled to Northern Ireland on a number of occasions to help staff based there.
That year he was sent to Derry to cover the anti-internment march which was to become known as Bloody Sunday, when 13 protesters were shot dead by British soldiers.
A 14th man later died from his injuries.
Addressing the Saville Inquiry into Bloody Sunday at the city's Guildhall today, Mr Cooke said he was told to go to Free Derry Corner at midnight on Bloody Sunday where he was met by someone he did not know.
"I was taken into a house, the blindfold was removed and I was met by a group of people, I cannot be sure but I think they were all men, and shown several photos," he said.
"I know for sure one of the men, who was the unofficial mayor of Bogside."
Mr Cooke said he was given photographs of shooting victims, some of whom he believed were dead.
"Even after 30 years I recall the one thing that struck me with some force was that, almost without exception, where you could see the wounds on people's bodies, the exit wounds appeared to be on the front of their bodies, typically the chest area," he added.
The witness said he filed a story along with a number of the pictures which were seen as a "significant story" at the time.
In a separate development today, retired forensic scientist Dr John Martin applied to the Inquiry to deliver his evidence from behind screens.
His lawyers told the Tribunal he had a "reasonable and genuine fear" for his personal safety.
In his written submission, Dr Martin's lawyers pointed out that their client still lived in Northern Ireland.
"Given that his name is already in the public domain the only effective protection which he can now be given is to conceal his physical identity," they said.
But Mr Seamus Treacy QC, appearing for the majority of Bloody Sunday families, reminded the Inquiry that Dr Martin was not screened when he gave evidence to the Widgery Inquiry in 1972.
Lord Saville said the Tribunal would take time to consider the submissions and would deal with the matter as soon as possible.
PA