How the Trial of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Acquittal

Youths in a tense situation with army troops on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a tense situation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 stands as among the most fatal – and momentous – occasions throughout multiple decades of violence in this area.

Throughout the area of the incident – the legacy of that fateful day are displayed on the buildings and etched in collective memory.

A public gathering was held on a chilly yet clear day in the city.

The demonstration was a protest against the practice of imprisonment without charges – detaining individuals without legal proceedings – which had been implemented in response to three years of unrest.

Father Daly used a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to protect a crowd transporting a teenager, Jackie Duddy
Father Daly displayed a bloodied fabric as he tried to protect a group carrying a teenager, the fatally wounded youth

Military personnel from the specialized division fatally wounded 13 people in the neighborhood – which was, and continues to be, a strongly nationalist population.

A specific visual became notably iconic.

Images showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, using a stained with blood white handkerchief as he tried to defend a assembly transporting a youth, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.

Journalists recorded extensive video on the day.

Documented accounts contains Father Daly explaining to a media representative that troops "just seemed to fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.

Individuals in the Bogside area being taken to detention by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the Bogside area being taken to arrest by British troops on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of what happened wasn't accepted by the original examination.

The first investigation found the Army had been attacked first.

Throughout the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government commissioned another inquiry, in response to advocacy by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a whitewash.

In 2010, the conclusion by Lord Saville said that overall, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that none of the casualties had been armed.

The contemporary Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, apologised in the government chamber – stating deaths were "unjustified and unjustifiable."

Kin of the casualties of the 1972 incident fatalities process from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the municipal center displaying pictures of their loved ones
Relatives of the victims of the Bloody Sunday shootings walk from the Bogside area of Londonderry to the civic building holding pictures of their loved ones

Law enforcement commenced look into the incident.

An ex-soldier, identified as Soldier F, was charged for murder.

Accusations were made over the killings of James Wray, 22, and in his mid-twenties William McKinney.

The defendant was additionally charged of trying to kill Patrick O'Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, another person, and an unknown person.

Remains a court ruling maintaining the defendant's privacy, which his lawyers have maintained is necessary because he is at risk of attack.

He stated to the examination that he had only fired at people who were carrying weapons.

This assertion was rejected in the concluding document.

Information from the investigation would not be used immediately as testimony in the legal proceedings.

During the trial, the defendant was shielded from sight behind a blue curtain.

He addressed the court for the first time in the proceedings at a session in late 2024, to reply "not guilty" when the charges were read.

Kin and advocates of those killed on Bloody Sunday hold a sign and photographs of the victims
Kin and advocates of those killed on that day carry a sign and photographs of the deceased

Family members of those who were killed on the incident travelled from Derry to Belfast Crown Court daily of the proceedings.

One relative, whose sibling was fatally wounded, said they always knew that attending the proceedings would be painful.

"I visualize everything in my memory," he said, as we walked around the primary sites mentioned in the trial – from the location, where Michael was shot dead, to the adjoining the courtyard, where James Wray and another victim were fatally wounded.

"It even takes me back to my position that day.

"I assisted with my brother and put him in the vehicle.

"I relived each detail during the evidence.

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

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were included who were fatally wounded on the incident
David Peters
David Peters

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about emerging technologies and their impact on society.