The Way this Prosecution of a Former Soldier Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Case Dismissal

Protesters in a confrontation with army troops on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a stand-off with army troops on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 is remembered as one of the deadliest – and significant – occasions in thirty years of conflict in this area.

In the streets where it happened – the images of that fateful day are displayed on the walls and seared in public consciousness.

A civil rights march was held on a chilly yet clear afternoon in Londonderry.

The protest was challenging the system of internment – holding suspects without legal proceedings – which had been established after an extended period of unrest.

Father Daly displayed a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to shield a crowd transporting a teenager, the fatally wounded youth
Father Daly displayed a blood-stained handkerchief as he tried to defend a group moving a teenager, Jackie Duddy

Troops from the specialized division killed multiple civilians in the district – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly republican area.

One image became notably iconic.

Images showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a stained with blood fabric in his effort to defend a assembly carrying a young man, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.

News camera operators documented considerable film on the day.

The archive contains the priest telling a journalist that soldiers "just seemed to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.

Individuals in the Bogside area being directed to detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the district being directed to custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of events was disputed by the initial investigation.

The Widgery Tribunal concluded the soldiers had been fired upon initially.

During the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government set up a new investigation, following pressure by family members, who said the initial inquiry had been a inadequate investigation.

During 2010, the findings by Lord Saville said that on balance, the paratroopers had fired first and that none of the individuals had been armed.

The then Prime Minister, the leader, expressed regret in the government chamber – stating deaths were "without justification and inexcusable."

Kin of the deceased of the tragic event shootings march from the district of Londonderry to the Guildhall displaying images of their relatives
Families of the victims of the 1972 incident killings walk from the neighborhood of Derry to the municipal center carrying images of their family members

Law enforcement started to look into the matter.

One former paratrooper, referred to as the accused, was prosecuted for killing.

Indictments were filed over the deaths of one victim, in his twenties, and 26-year-old another victim.

The defendant was additionally charged of trying to kill multiple individuals, additional persons, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unnamed civilian.

Remains a judicial decision maintaining the defendant's anonymity, which his attorneys have maintained is essential because he is at risk of attack.

He told the examination that he had only fired at persons who were armed.

The statement was dismissed in the final report.

Information from the examination could not be used straightforwardly as evidence in the criminal process.

In the dock, the veteran was hidden from public with a blue curtain.

He made statements for the first time in the hearing at a hearing in late 2024, to respond "not responsible" when the charges were presented.

Relatives and allies of those killed on Bloody Sunday display a banner and photos of the victims
Relatives and allies of the deceased on the incident display a banner and photographs of the deceased

Relatives of those who were killed on the incident made the trip from Londonderry to the courthouse every day of the trial.

A family member, whose relative was died, said they understood that attending the trial would be emotional.

"I can see all details in my recollection," the relative said, as we walked around the main locations mentioned in the case – from Rossville Street, where Michael was killed, to the adjacent the courtyard, where one victim and William McKinney were died.

"It reminds me to where I was that day.

"I helped to carry Michael and place him in the vehicle.

"I relived every moment during the evidence.

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

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

Travel enthusiast and automotive expert with over 10 years of experience in the car rental industry, sharing tips and insights for exploring Italy by car.