How the Prosecution of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Not Guilty Verdict

Youths in a stand-off with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a confrontation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 remains among the most fatal – and momentous – occasions in three decades of unrest in this area.

In the streets where events unfolded – the legacy of Bloody Sunday are painted on the structures and embedded in collective memory.

A public gathering was organized on a chilly yet clear afternoon in Derry.

The protest was opposing the policy of imprisonment without charges – holding suspects without legal proceedings – which had been put in place following multiple years of conflict.

Father Daly waved a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to protect a group moving a youth, the injured teenager
Fr Edward Daly displayed a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to shield a crowd transporting a youth, the injured teenager

Troops from the Parachute Regiment shot dead thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and still is, a predominantly republican population.

One image became especially memorable.

Pictures showed a religious figure, Father Daly, displaying a stained with blood white handkerchief in his effort to protect a crowd transporting a youth, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.

Journalists recorded considerable film on the day.

Documented accounts includes the priest informing a journalist that troops "just seemed to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "completely sure" that there was no provocation for the discharge of weapons.

Protesters in the district being marched towards custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in the neighborhood being marched towards custody by British troops on Bloody Sunday

That version of the incident was disputed by the first inquiry.

The first investigation determined the military had been shot at first.

In the peace process, the ruling party established another inquiry, after campaigning by bereaved relatives, who said the first investigation had been a whitewash.

In 2010, the findings by Lord Saville said that on balance, the soldiers had fired first and that none of the individuals had presented danger.

The then government leader, the Prime Minister, issued an apology in the House of Commons – declaring killings were "improper and unacceptable."

Kin of the casualties of the tragic event shootings walk from the district of the city to the Guildhall carrying photographs of their family members
Kin of the deceased of the Bloody Sunday shootings walk from the Bogside area of the city to the municipal center carrying pictures of their relatives

Law enforcement commenced look into the matter.

An ex-soldier, referred to as Soldier F, was prosecuted for killing.

Indictments were filed concerning the killings of the first individual, in his twenties, and twenty-six-year-old the second individual.

Soldier F was additionally charged of attempting to murder Patrick O'Donnell, additional persons, further individuals, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.

Exists a legal order protecting the defendant's identity protection, which his legal team have maintained is required because he is at threat.

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

The statement was disputed in the final report.

Material from the inquiry could not be used directly as evidence in the criminal process.

In court, the veteran was hidden from public behind a protective barrier.

He made statements for the first time in court at a session in December 2024, to answer "innocent" when the accusations were put to him.

Family members and advocates of the victims on Bloody Sunday display a placard and images of the deceased
Kin and advocates of those killed on Bloody Sunday hold a sign and photos of the victims

Relatives of the victims on the incident made the trip from Derry to Belfast Crown Court daily of the case.

A family member, whose relative was died, said they were aware that listening to the trial would be difficult.

"I can see all details in my recollection," the relative said, as we examined the primary sites discussed in the trial – from the location, where his brother was killed, to the adjoining the courtyard, where one victim and the second person were died.

"It even takes me back to where I was that day.

"I assisted with Michael and lay him in the vehicle.

"I experienced again every moment during the evidence.

"Despite experiencing the process – it's still meaningful for me."

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were died on the incident
Latoya Campbell
Latoya Campbell

Elara Vance ist eine preisgekrönte Journalistin mit über einem Jahrzehnt Erfahrung in der Berichterstattung über internationale Politik und gesellschaftliche Entwicklungen.