How this Trial of a Former Soldier Regarding Bloody Sunday Concluded in Case Dismissal

Protesters in a stand-off with military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a confrontation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 is remembered as one of the deadliest – and consequential – days throughout multiple decades of conflict in the region.

In the streets where events unfolded – the images of the tragic events are painted on the buildings and embedded in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was organized on a wintry, sunny period in Derry.

The protest was a protest against the practice of imprisonment without charges – holding suspects without trial – which had been established after multiple years of conflict.

Father Daly used a bloodied fabric while attempting to defend a crowd transporting a teenager, Jackie Duddy
Fr Edward Daly used a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to protect a group moving a young man, the fatally wounded youth

Soldiers from the specialized division killed multiple civilians in the Bogside area – which was, and remains, a overwhelmingly Irish nationalist area.

A specific visual became especially memorable.

Images showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, waving a bloodied cloth as he tried to defend a crowd transporting a young man, the injured teenager, who had been fatally wounded.

News camera operators captured much footage on the day.

The archive features Father Daly telling a reporter that military personnel "gave the impression they would discharge weapons randomly" and he was "completely sure" that there was no justification for the shooting.

Protesters in the neighborhood being directed to custody by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the neighborhood being directed to detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday

This account of the incident wasn't accepted by the original examination.

The Widgery Tribunal determined the Army had been attacked first.

During the negotiation period, the administration commissioned a fresh examination, after campaigning by family members, who said the first investigation had been a cover-up.

In 2010, the conclusion by Lord Saville said that generally, the paratroopers had initiated shooting and that zero among the casualties had presented danger.

At that time Prime Minister, David Cameron, expressed regret in the government chamber – stating deaths were "without justification and inexcusable."

Families of the casualties of the Bloody Sunday killings process from the neighborhood of Derry to the municipal center carrying pictures of their relatives
Families of the victims of the 1972 incident killings march from the neighborhood of the city to the municipal center displaying pictures of their family members

Law enforcement started to look into the matter.

A military veteran, known as Soldier F, was charged for killing.

Indictments were filed over the killings of James Wray, in his twenties, and twenty-six-year-old another victim.

Soldier F was further implicated of trying to kill Patrick O'Donnell, Joseph Friel, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.

There is a judicial decision maintaining the defendant's privacy, which his attorneys have argued is required because he is at risk of attack.

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

That claim was rejected in the official findings.

Material from the investigation could not be used immediately as proof in the legal proceedings.

During the trial, the veteran was shielded from sight behind a protective barrier.

He spoke for the opening instance in the proceedings at a hearing in late 2024, to answer "not responsible" when the allegations were put to him.

Relatives and supporters of the victims on that day carry a banner and photos of the deceased
Kin and advocates of those killed on that day display a banner and photographs of the deceased

Relatives of those who were killed on that day made the trip from Londonderry to Belfast Crown Court every day of the trial.

One relative, whose sibling was killed, said they were aware that listening to the proceedings would be difficult.

"I visualize everything in my mind's eye," he said, as we visited the key areas referenced in the case – from the location, where his brother was fatally wounded, to the adjacent Glenfada Park, where James Wray and another victim were died.

"It returns me to my location that day.

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

"I experienced again every moment during the testimony.

"Notwithstanding having to go through everything – it's still valuable for me."

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were among those who were killed on Bloody Sunday
Carly Petty
Carly Petty

A passionate writer and thinker sharing personal insights and experiences to inspire others.