How the Trial of an Army Veteran Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Case Dismissal

Youths in a confrontation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a confrontation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 remains one of the deadliest – and consequential – days during three decades of conflict in this area.

Throughout the area of the incident – the images of that fateful day are painted on the walls and etched in public consciousness.

A civil rights march was conducted on a chilly yet clear period in the city.

The protest was challenging the system of imprisonment without charges – detaining individuals without due process – which had been implemented following three years of unrest.

Fr Edward Daly displayed a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to shield a crowd carrying a youth, the injured teenager
A Catholic priest used a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to defend a assembly transporting a youth, Jackie Duddy

Troops from the specialized division fatally wounded thirteen individuals in the district – which was, and remains, a strongly nationalist population.

A particular photograph became notably memorable.

Photographs showed a Catholic priest, Father Daly, displaying a stained with blood white handkerchief in his effort to protect a crowd transporting a teenager, Jackie Duddy, who had been fatally wounded.

News camera operators recorded extensive video on the day.

The archive features Father Daly informing a journalist that military personnel "appeared to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no reason for the shooting.

Protesters in the neighborhood being taken to detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the neighborhood being marched towards custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of what happened was disputed by the first inquiry.

The Widgery Tribunal concluded the soldiers had been shot at first.

During the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government set up a fresh examination, following pressure by surviving kin, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

That year, the conclusion by the investigation said that overall, the military personnel had fired first and that none of the casualties had been armed.

At that time head of state, the leader, issued an apology in the Parliament – declaring deaths were "without justification and unjustifiable."

Kin of the victims of the tragic event fatalities march from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the municipal center displaying pictures of their relatives
Relatives of the victims of the Bloody Sunday shootings process from the Bogside area of Londonderry to the municipal center carrying photographs of their relatives

Authorities began to investigate the matter.

One former paratrooper, identified as Soldier F, was prosecuted for murder.

He was charged concerning the deaths of the first individual, in his twenties, and 26-year-old another victim.

The defendant was further implicated of trying to kill multiple individuals, additional persons, further individuals, Michael Quinn, and an unknown person.

Remains a court ruling protecting the soldier's anonymity, which his legal team have claimed is required because he is at threat.

He stated to the Saville Inquiry that he had solely shot at people who were carrying weapons.

This assertion was dismissed in the final report.

Information from the inquiry was unable to be used directly as evidence in the legal proceedings.

In the dock, the defendant was shielded from sight with a protective barrier.

He spoke for the opening instance in the proceedings at a hearing in that month, to reply "innocent" when the allegations were put to him.

Family members and supporters of the victims on that day hold a sign and photos of the victims
Relatives and advocates of those killed on Bloody Sunday carry a sign and images of the deceased

Kin of those who were killed on the incident travelled from Londonderry to Belfast Crown Court every day of the case.

John Kelly, whose brother Michael was died, said they understood that attending the case would be painful.

"I can see the events in my memory," John said, as we walked around the primary sites discussed in the proceedings – from the location, where his brother was shot dead, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where the individual and another victim were killed.

"It returns me to my position that day.

"I helped to carry my brother and place him in the vehicle.

"I went through the entire event during the evidence.

"Notwithstanding experiencing all that – it's still meaningful for me."

James Wray (left) and Another victim (right) were included who were fatally wounded on Bloody Sunday
Victoria Brooks
Victoria Brooks

A passionate traveler and writer sharing UK explorations and practical advice for memorable journeys.