The Way the Trial of an Army Veteran Regarding Bloody Sunday Ended in Case Dismissal

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

Sunday 30 January 1972 is remembered as one of the most fatal – and significant – days throughout three decades of unrest in this area.

Throughout the area where it happened – the images of that fateful day are displayed on the walls and etched in collective memory.

A public gathering was organized on a chilly yet clear day in Londonderry.

The protest was challenging the policy of imprisonment without charges – holding suspects without trial – which had been put in place following three years of unrest.

Fr Edward Daly displayed a blood-stained handkerchief as he tried to defend a crowd transporting a youth, the fatally wounded youth
Father Daly waved a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to defend a group carrying a youth, the fatally wounded youth

Military personnel from the elite army unit shot dead thirteen individuals in the neighborhood – which was, and remains, a overwhelmingly republican area.

One image became especially iconic.

Pictures showed a clergyman, the priest, displaying a bloodied fabric while attempting to defend a assembly moving a young man, Jackie Duddy, who had been fatally wounded.

Media personnel recorded considerable film on the day.

The archive contains Fr Daly telling a journalist that soldiers "gave the impression they would discharge weapons randomly" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no justification for the gunfire.

Protesters in the Bogside area being taken to custody by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the Bogside area being taken to custody by British troops on Bloody Sunday

This account of the incident was disputed by the original examination.

The initial inquiry concluded the soldiers had been attacked first.

During the peace process, Tony Blair's government commissioned a new investigation, after campaigning by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a whitewash.

During 2010, the findings by the investigation said that generally, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that none of the individuals had been armed.

At that time Prime Minister, the leader, expressed regret in the House of Commons – declaring deaths were "without justification and inexcusable."

Kin of the deceased of the Bloody Sunday killings process from the neighborhood of Derry to the Guildhall holding pictures of their loved ones
Families of the deceased of the tragic event shootings walk from the Bogside area of Derry to the municipal center displaying photographs of their family members

Law enforcement began to examine the incident.

An ex-soldier, referred to as the accused, was prosecuted for homicide.

Accusations were made concerning the deaths of the first individual, in his twenties, and 26-year-old William McKinney.

Soldier F was additionally charged of seeking to harm several people, additional persons, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.

Exists a judicial decision preserving the veteran's identity protection, which his attorneys have argued is necessary because he is at threat.

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

That claim was rejected in the official findings.

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

In the dock, the veteran was screened from view with a protective barrier.

He spoke for the opening instance in the proceedings at a proceeding in late 2024, to answer "not guilty" when the charges were presented.

Kin and allies of the deceased on that day hold a placard and photographs of those killed
Relatives and allies of the victims on the incident carry a placard and photos of the deceased

Family members of those who were killed on Bloody Sunday journeyed from the city to the courthouse each day of the trial.

A family member, whose brother Michael was died, said they always knew that attending the proceedings would be emotional.

"I remember all details in my mind's eye," John said, as we walked around the main locations mentioned in the trial – from Rossville Street, where his brother was shot dead, to the adjoining the courtyard, where James Wray and another victim were died.

"It even takes me back to my location that day.

"I helped to carry my brother and lay him in the medical transport.

"I experienced again each detail during the testimony.

"But even with having to go through all that – it's still meaningful for me."

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were died on the incident
Amanda Bauer
Amanda Bauer

A structural engineer with over 15 years of experience in designing sustainable building solutions and sharing industry insights.