The Way the Trial of a Former Soldier Regarding Bloody Sunday Ended in Not Guilty Verdict

Youths in a tense situation with army troops on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a stand-off with military personnel on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 stands as one of the most fatal – and momentous – days during three decades of unrest in this area.

Throughout the area of the incident – the memories of the tragic events are visible on the buildings and etched in people's minds.

A civil rights march was organized on a chilly yet clear period in Londonderry.

The march was a protest against the practice of internment – imprisoning people without trial – which had been put in place in response to three years of violence.

Father Daly waved a bloodied fabric in an effort to defend a assembly carrying a youth, the fatally wounded youth
Fr Edward Daly displayed a bloodied fabric as he tried to protect a assembly moving a young man, Jackie Duddy

Military personnel from the Parachute Regiment killed 13 people in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly republican area.

A particular photograph became particularly iconic.

Pictures showed a religious figure, Father Daly, waving a blood-stained white handkerchief in his effort to protect a crowd moving a youth, Jackie Duddy, who had been mortally injured.

Media personnel recorded considerable film on the day.

The archive features Father Daly informing a journalist that troops "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no provocation for the gunfire.

Individuals in the Bogside area being taken to custody by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the district being marched towards arrest by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

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

The initial inquiry determined the military had been attacked first.

In the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government established a new investigation, after campaigning by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

During 2010, the report by the inquiry said that on balance, the paratroopers had initiated shooting and that zero among the victims had posed any threat.

The then Prime Minister, the leader, issued an apology in the Parliament – declaring killings were "without justification and unacceptable."

Kin of the casualties of the 1972 incident killings walk from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the civic building carrying pictures of their loved ones
Families of the casualties of the 1972 incident fatalities march from the Bogside area of the city to the Guildhall displaying photographs of their relatives

Authorities commenced look into the incident.

A military veteran, referred to as the defendant, was charged for killing.

Indictments were filed regarding the deaths of James Wray, twenty-two, and twenty-six-year-old the second individual.

Soldier F was additionally charged of trying to kill multiple individuals, other civilians, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and an unnamed civilian.

Exists a judicial decision protecting the veteran's anonymity, which his legal team have maintained is essential because he is at threat.

He testified the Saville Inquiry that he had only fired at persons who were carrying weapons.

This assertion was dismissed in the concluding document.

Material from the investigation could not be used straightforwardly as proof in the legal proceedings.

In the dock, the veteran was screened from view behind a protective barrier.

He spoke for the opening instance in court at a proceeding in December 2024, to answer "not responsible" when the charges were put to him.

Family members and allies of the deceased on Bloody Sunday hold a banner and photographs of the victims
Relatives and allies of the victims on the incident hold a sign and photographs of the victims

Relatives of the victims on that day travelled from the city to Belfast Crown Court each day of the case.

One relative, whose brother Michael was died, said they understood that hearing the trial would be emotional.

"I can see all details in my mind's eye," the relative said, as we examined the main locations discussed in the case – from the street, where his brother was shot dead, to the nearby the courtyard, where James Wray and William McKinney were killed.

"It returns me to my location that day.

"I participated in moving Michael and place him in the vehicle.

"I relived each detail during the testimony.

"Notwithstanding having to go through the process – it's still worthwhile for me."

James Wray (left) and Another victim (right) were part of who were fatally wounded on Bloody Sunday
Martin Dawson
Martin Dawson

A passionate travel writer and local expert dedicated to uncovering Pisa's natural beauty and sharing insights for memorable outdoor experiences.