How the Trial of a Former Soldier Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Case Dismissal

Youths in a confrontation with army troops on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a tense situation with army troops on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 is remembered as one of the most fatal – and momentous – days throughout multiple decades of violence in the region.

Within the community of the incident – the images of that fateful day are painted on the walls and embedded in public consciousness.

A civil rights march was held on a wintry, sunny day in Derry.

The protest was opposing the system of detention without trial – imprisoning people without due process – which had been established after an extended period of violence.

A Catholic priest displayed a bloodied fabric in an effort to protect a group moving a young man, the fatally wounded youth
Fr Edward Daly waved a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to protect a group transporting a young man, the injured teenager

Military personnel from the specialized division fatally wounded multiple civilians in the district – which was, and continues to be, a overwhelmingly nationalist population.

A particular photograph became notably iconic.

Pictures showed a Catholic priest, Father Daly, displaying a bloodied white handkerchief as he tried to shield a crowd moving a youth, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.

Journalists captured much footage on the day.

Documented accounts features Fr Daly informing a media representative that military personnel "appeared to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no reason for the discharge of weapons.

Individuals in the district being marched towards arrest by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the district being taken to detention by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

That version of events was rejected by the initial investigation.

The Widgery Tribunal found the military had been attacked first.

Throughout the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government established a fresh examination, after campaigning by surviving kin, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

In 2010, the findings by Lord Saville said that overall, the soldiers had initiated shooting and that zero among the individuals had been armed.

At that time head of state, David Cameron, expressed regret in the government chamber – saying deaths were "unjustified and inexcusable."

Families of the deceased of the 1972 incident fatalities process from the neighborhood of the city to the municipal center carrying photographs of their family members
Families of the deceased of the 1972 incident shootings march from the district of the city to the municipal center holding images of their relatives

The police commenced look into the incident.

An ex-soldier, known as the defendant, was brought to trial for homicide.

Indictments were filed regarding the deaths of one victim, in his twenties, and twenty-six-year-old the second individual.

Soldier F was further implicated of attempting to murder multiple individuals, other civilians, more people, another person, and an unidentified individual.

Remains a legal order protecting the defendant's anonymity, which his lawyers have maintained is required because he is at risk of attack.

He testified the investigation that he had solely shot at people who were carrying weapons.

This assertion was rejected in the final report.

Information from the inquiry was unable to be used directly as evidence in the criminal process.

In court, the veteran was hidden from public using a privacy screen.

He addressed the court for the initial occasion in the hearing at a proceeding in late 2024, to respond "not guilty" when the charges were read.

Kin and allies of the deceased on Bloody Sunday carry a banner and photos of the deceased
Family members and supporters of those killed on that day display a placard and photos of the deceased

Family members of those who were killed on the incident travelled from Derry to Belfast Crown Court every day of the case.

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

"I can see all details in my mind's eye," the relative said, as we walked around the key areas mentioned in the case – from the street, where Michael was fatally wounded, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where one victim and another victim were died.

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

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

"I went through each detail during the proceedings.

"But even with enduring everything – it's still meaningful for me."

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) were among those who were killed on the incident
James Pearson
James Pearson

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