How this Prosecution of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Acquittal

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

Sunday 30 January 1972 remains among the deadliest – and momentous – occasions in thirty years of conflict in the region.

Throughout the area where events unfolded – the images of Bloody Sunday are displayed on the buildings and embedded in public consciousness.

A protest demonstration was organized on a chilly yet clear afternoon in Derry.

The demonstration was a protest against the practice of detention without trial – detaining individuals without trial – which had been implemented after multiple years of conflict.

A Catholic priest used a bloodied fabric in an effort to defend a crowd moving a youth, the fatally wounded youth
Father Daly used a bloodied fabric while attempting to protect a assembly transporting a youth, the fatally wounded youth

Soldiers from the specialized division fatally wounded 13 people in the district – which was, and remains, a overwhelmingly Irish nationalist population.

One image became particularly iconic.

Images showed a religious figure, the priest, displaying a blood-stained fabric in his effort to shield a assembly transporting a young man, Jackie Duddy, who had been mortally injured.

Media personnel captured considerable film on the day.

Historical records features Fr Daly telling a media representative that troops "gave the impression they would shoot indiscriminately" and he was "completely sure" that there was no provocation for the gunfire.

Individuals in the Bogside area being marched towards detention by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in the Bogside area being taken to detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday

This account of the incident was disputed by the initial investigation.

The Widgery Tribunal concluded the military had been attacked first.

During the negotiation period, the ruling party set up a new investigation, following pressure by surviving kin, who said the initial inquiry had been a whitewash.

In 2010, the report by the investigation said that on balance, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that not one of the casualties had presented danger.

At that time government leader, the Prime Minister, apologised in the House of Commons – declaring deaths were "improper and inexcusable."

Kin of the deceased of the 1972 incident shootings march from the Bogside area of Derry to the civic building carrying pictures of their family members
Relatives of the casualties of the Bloody Sunday killings walk from the Bogside area of Londonderry to the municipal center displaying pictures of their relatives

Authorities began to examine the matter.

One former paratrooper, identified as the accused, was prosecuted for homicide.

He was charged regarding the deaths of James Wray, in his twenties, and twenty-six-year-old the second individual.

The accused was further implicated of attempting to murder Patrick O'Donnell, other civilians, further individuals, an additional individual, and an unnamed civilian.

Exists a judicial decision maintaining the defendant's privacy, which his attorneys have maintained is necessary because he is at risk of attack.

He stated to the Saville Inquiry that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at individuals who were carrying weapons.

The statement was rejected in the official findings.

Material from the inquiry could not be used straightforwardly as evidence in the criminal process.

In the dock, the accused was hidden from public with a privacy screen.

He made statements for the initial occasion in court at a proceeding in December 2024, to reply "not guilty" when the accusations were presented.

Kin and advocates of those killed on that day carry a sign and photographs of those killed
Relatives and supporters of the deceased on the incident carry a sign and images of the victims

Family members of those who were killed on Bloody Sunday journeyed from Londonderry to Belfast Crown Court daily of the trial.

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

"I visualize the events in my mind's eye," John said, as we examined the key areas mentioned in the proceedings – from the street, where his brother was fatally wounded, to the nearby Glenfada Park, where James Wray and the second person were died.

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

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

"I went through the entire event during the proceedings.

"Despite experiencing all that – it's still meaningful for me."

One victim (left) and Another victim (right) were part of who were fatally wounded on the incident
Charles King
Charles King

A passionate writer and artist who shares personal experiences and creative inspirations on her blog.