How the Prosecution of an Army Veteran Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Case Dismissal

Protesters in a tense situation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a tense situation with army troops on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 is remembered as one of the deadliest – and consequential – occasions during thirty years of violence in Northern Ireland.

Within the community where events unfolded – the images of that fateful day are visible on the buildings and etched in people's minds.

A public gathering was held on a cold but bright period in Londonderry.

The demonstration was opposing the practice of internment – holding suspects without due process – which had been put in place following an extended period of conflict.

Father Daly used a blood-stained handkerchief as he tried to protect a group carrying a young man, the injured teenager
A Catholic priest displayed a white cloth stained with blood while attempting to shield a crowd transporting a youth, the injured teenager

Soldiers from the specialized division shot dead multiple civilians in the district – which was, and continues to be, a strongly nationalist area.

A particular photograph became notably iconic.

Pictures showed a Catholic priest, Father Daly, displaying a bloodied cloth while attempting to defend a group carrying a teenager, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.

Media personnel documented extensive video on the day.

Documented accounts contains Father Daly informing a reporter that military personnel "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no reason for the shooting.

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

That version of events was rejected by the first inquiry.

The first investigation concluded the military had been attacked first.

During the peace process, Tony Blair's government established a fresh examination, in response to advocacy by surviving kin, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

That year, the report by the inquiry said that on balance, the paratroopers had initiated shooting and that not one of the casualties had posed any threat.

The contemporary Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, issued an apology in the Parliament – stating fatalities were "without justification and unacceptable."

Relatives of the deceased of the Bloody Sunday killings walk from the neighborhood of Derry to the Guildhall displaying photographs of their family members
Relatives of the casualties of the 1972 incident fatalities march from the district of Derry to the Guildhall holding pictures of their family members

The police began to look into the incident.

An ex-soldier, identified as Soldier F, was prosecuted for homicide.

Accusations were made regarding the deaths of the first individual, twenty-two, and 26-year-old the second individual.

The accused was additionally charged of seeking to harm multiple individuals, other civilians, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unknown person.

There is a judicial decision maintaining the soldier's identity protection, which his lawyers have maintained is essential because he is at danger.

He told the investigation that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at individuals who were carrying weapons.

The statement was dismissed in the official findings.

Information from the investigation was unable to be used straightforwardly as proof in the criminal process.

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

He addressed the court for the initial occasion in the hearing at a hearing in late 2024, to reply "not guilty" when the accusations were presented.

Relatives and supporters of the deceased on Bloody Sunday display a placard and photographs of those killed
Family members and allies of those killed on the incident hold a banner and photos of the deceased

Family members of the victims on Bloody Sunday travelled from Derry to the judicial building every day of the proceedings.

One relative, whose brother Michael was died, said they understood that listening to the proceedings would be emotional.

"I remember all details in my mind's eye," the relative said, as we walked around the key areas mentioned in the trial – from Rossville Street, where his brother was killed, to the adjacent the area, where one victim and the second person were died.

"It returns me to my position that day.

"I participated in moving my brother and place him in the ambulance.

"I experienced again every moment during the testimony.

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

James Wray (left) and Another victim (right) were part of who were died on Bloody Sunday
James Peck
James Peck

Certified wellness coach and nutritionist passionate about holistic health and sustainable living practices.