How this Prosecution of a Former Soldier Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Acquittal

Protesters in a tense situation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a tense situation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday

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

Throughout the area where events unfolded – the images of the tragic events are displayed on the structures and seared in public consciousness.

A protest demonstration was organized on a wintry, sunny day in Londonderry.

The protest was challenging the policy of internment – holding suspects without trial – which had been implemented following multiple years of conflict.

A Catholic priest used a blood-stained handkerchief as he tried to defend a assembly carrying a young man, the fatally wounded youth
A Catholic priest displayed a white cloth stained with blood while attempting to defend a assembly transporting a teenager, the injured teenager

Soldiers from the Parachute Regiment fatally wounded 13 people in the neighborhood – which was, and remains, a strongly nationalist area.

A particular photograph became especially memorable.

Images showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, waving a bloodied fabric as he tried to protect a assembly transporting a teenager, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.

Journalists captured much footage on the day.

Historical records contains Fr Daly informing a media representative that soldiers "gave the impression they would shoot indiscriminately" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no provocation for the gunfire.

Civilians in the neighborhood being taken to detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the neighborhood being directed to arrest by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of the incident was rejected by the original examination.

The first investigation concluded the Army had been shot at first.

During the peace process, the administration established a fresh examination, following pressure by bereaved relatives, who said Widgery had been a cover-up.

That year, the conclusion by the inquiry said that on balance, the military personnel had fired first and that zero among the casualties had posed any threat.

The contemporary Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, expressed regret in the House of Commons – declaring killings were "unjustified and unjustifiable."

Families of the victims of the tragic event killings process from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the Guildhall holding pictures of their family members
Kin of the deceased of the tragic event killings process from the Bogside area of the city to the municipal center displaying pictures of their loved ones

Law enforcement commenced investigate the incident.

A military veteran, identified as Soldier F, was prosecuted for murder.

Indictments were filed over the fatalities of one victim, in his twenties, and twenty-six-year-old another victim.

The accused was additionally charged of trying to kill multiple individuals, additional persons, more people, another person, and an unidentified individual.

There is a judicial decision protecting the soldier's identity protection, which his attorneys have claimed is essential because he is at risk of attack.

He testified the Saville Inquiry that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at individuals who were possessing firearms.

That claim was rejected in the final report.

Evidence from the examination could not be used straightforwardly as testimony in the legal proceedings.

During the trial, the veteran was hidden from public using a protective barrier.

He addressed the court for the opening instance in the proceedings at a hearing in late 2024, to answer "not guilty" when the accusations were read.

Kin and supporters of the victims on the incident hold a placard and photos of those killed
Family members and allies of those killed on Bloody Sunday hold a placard and photos of those killed

Kin of the deceased on the incident journeyed from the city to the courthouse every day of the trial.

One relative, whose brother Michael was killed, said they always knew that attending the trial would be difficult.

"I can see everything in my mind's eye," the relative said, as we visited the primary sites mentioned in the trial – from the location, where his brother was killed, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where James Wray and William McKinney were killed.

"It reminds me to where I was that day.

"I helped to carry the victim and lay him in the vehicle.

"I went through each detail during the proceedings.

"But even with experiencing all that – it's still valuable for me."

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were among those who were fatally wounded on Bloody Sunday
Matthew Haynes
Matthew Haynes

A certified mindfulness coach and writer passionate about helping others find inner peace through simple, effective practices.