How this Prosecution of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Case Dismissal

Youths in a stand-off with army troops on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a tense situation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 remains one of the most deadly – and consequential – dates in thirty years of conflict in the region.

In the streets where events unfolded – the legacy of Bloody Sunday are visible on the walls and seared in collective memory.

A protest demonstration was held on a cold but bright afternoon in Londonderry.

The demonstration was a protest against the system of imprisonment without charges – imprisoning people without trial – which had been put in place following three years of unrest.

Father Daly waved a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to defend a group moving a teenager, the fatally wounded youth
A Catholic priest waved a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to defend a crowd carrying a teenager, the injured teenager

Military personnel from the specialized division fatally wounded thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and remains, a predominantly nationalist population.

A particular photograph became notably memorable.

Pictures showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a stained with blood fabric as he tried to shield a assembly carrying a teenager, the fatally wounded individual, who had been killed.

Journalists captured much footage on the day.

Documented accounts includes Fr Daly telling a reporter that military personnel "appeared to fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no justification for the gunfire.

Civilians in the neighborhood being marched towards custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the Bogside area being directed to detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday

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

The initial inquiry concluded the military had been attacked first.

Throughout the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government set up a fresh examination, following pressure by family members, who said the initial inquiry had been a whitewash.

That year, the conclusion by the inquiry said that on balance, the paratroopers had fired first and that zero among the casualties had been armed.

At that time head of state, the leader, issued an apology in the House of Commons – saying deaths were "improper and unjustifiable."

Relatives of the victims of the Bloody Sunday shootings walk from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the civic building carrying images of their relatives
Kin of the casualties of the tragic event shootings walk from the neighborhood of Derry to the civic building holding pictures of their family members

The police began to investigate the matter.

One former paratrooper, referred to as Soldier F, was charged for murder.

Indictments were filed over the fatalities of James Wray, 22, and in his mid-twenties another victim.

The accused was additionally charged of seeking to harm several people, additional persons, further individuals, an additional individual, and an unknown person.

Remains a legal order protecting the defendant's identity protection, which his attorneys have maintained is essential because he is at risk of attack.

He told the investigation that he had only fired at individuals who were possessing firearms.

The statement was disputed in the final report.

Information from the inquiry would not be used straightforwardly as proof in the court case.

In court, the veteran was screened from view behind a blue curtain.

He made statements for the initial occasion in the hearing at a hearing in that month, to answer "not responsible" when the accusations were read.

Relatives and advocates of the victims on Bloody Sunday carry a sign and images of the deceased
Family members and allies of those killed on Bloody Sunday display a sign and photos of the victims

Relatives of those who were killed on that day travelled from Londonderry to the courthouse every day of the case.

One relative, whose sibling was fatally wounded, said they were aware that listening to the trial would be emotional.

"I remember the events in my recollection," the relative said, as we walked around the main locations mentioned in the proceedings – from Rossville Street, where Michael was shot dead, to the adjacent the courtyard, where the individual and another victim were died.

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

"I helped to carry the victim and place him in the medical transport.

"I relived the entire event during the proceedings.

"Despite having to go through the process – it's still valuable for me."

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were included who were fatally wounded on Bloody Sunday
Crystal Fuller
Crystal Fuller

A passionate writer and digital strategist with a knack for uncovering trends and sharing actionable advice in the creative industry.