How this Trial of a Former Soldier Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Case Dismissal

Protesters in a tense situation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a stand-off with military personnel on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 is remembered as arguably the most fatal – and momentous – dates during thirty years of unrest in this area.

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

A civil rights march was conducted on a chilly yet clear period in the city.

The protest was opposing the system of imprisonment without charges – holding suspects without trial – which had been established in response to an extended period of unrest.

Father Daly used a bloodied fabric while attempting to shield a group carrying a youth, the fatally wounded youth
A Catholic priest waved a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to protect a assembly moving a teenager, the fatally wounded youth

Troops from the specialized division shot dead multiple civilians in the neighborhood – which was, and still is, a predominantly republican population.

A specific visual became notably iconic.

Pictures showed a clergyman, Father Daly, waving a stained with blood fabric while attempting to defend a crowd carrying a youth, Jackie Duddy, who had been fatally wounded.

News camera operators captured considerable film on the day.

Historical records includes Father Daly informing a media representative that military personnel "just seemed to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no reason for the discharge of weapons.

Protesters in the neighborhood being marched towards detention by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the Bogside area being marched towards arrest by British troops on Bloody Sunday

That version of what happened was disputed by the first inquiry.

The initial inquiry determined the military had been fired upon initially.

In the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government established another inquiry, after campaigning by family members, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

During 2010, the findings by the inquiry said that overall, the soldiers had fired first and that zero among the individuals had posed any threat.

The then Prime Minister, David Cameron, apologised in the Parliament – saying fatalities were "without justification and unjustifiable."

Families of the deceased of the 1972 incident shootings process from the district of the city to the Guildhall displaying pictures of their family members
Relatives of the victims of the 1972 incident killings process from the district of Londonderry to the civic building holding photographs of their family members

Authorities began to look into the events.

A military veteran, identified as Soldier F, was prosecuted for murder.

Indictments were filed concerning the fatalities of the first individual, twenty-two, and twenty-six-year-old the second individual.

Soldier F was also accused of seeking to harm several people, other civilians, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unnamed civilian.

There is a judicial decision protecting the defendant's anonymity, which his lawyers have maintained is required because he is at threat.

He stated to the examination that he had only fired at individuals who were possessing firearms.

That claim was rejected in the final report.

Evidence from the investigation would not be used immediately as evidence in the legal proceedings.

In the dock, the accused was shielded from sight with a privacy screen.

He made statements for the opening instance in court at a session in late 2024, to reply "not responsible" when the charges were presented.

Relatives and supporters of those killed on Bloody Sunday hold a sign and photos of the deceased
Family members and supporters of the victims on the incident carry a sign and photos of those killed

Kin of those who were killed on Bloody Sunday travelled from the city to the judicial building every day of the case.

A family member, whose sibling was died, said they always knew that hearing the case would be painful.

"I can see all details in my memory," John said, as we examined the primary sites mentioned in the proceedings – from the street, where the victim was killed, to the nearby Glenfada Park, where James Wray and the second person were died.

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

"I assisted with Michael and place him in the ambulance.

"I went through the entire event during the proceedings.

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

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

A seasoned life coach and writer passionate about empowering others through mindful planning and personal development.