How the Prosecution of an Army Veteran Regarding Bloody Sunday Ended in Case Dismissal

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

January 30th, 1972 remains one of the deadliest – and significant – days throughout multiple decades of unrest in the region.

Within the community where events unfolded – the memories of Bloody Sunday are painted on the buildings and seared in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was organized on a chilly yet clear period in the city.

The demonstration was a protest against the policy of internment – imprisoning people without trial – which had been established after an extended period of violence.

Father Daly waved a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to protect a group transporting a teenager, Jackie Duddy
Fr Edward Daly displayed a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to shield a assembly moving a youth, the fatally wounded youth

Troops from the specialized division killed multiple civilians in the district – which was, and still is, a predominantly nationalist area.

One image became notably iconic.

Pictures showed a clergyman, the priest, using a blood-stained cloth while attempting to defend a group moving a teenager, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.

News camera operators recorded extensive video on the day.

Documented accounts contains the priest explaining to a reporter that troops "gave the impression they would shoot indiscriminately" and he was "completely sure" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.

Protesters in the district being marched towards custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in the district being directed to custody by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

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

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

Throughout the peace process, the ruling party set up a fresh examination, after campaigning by surviving kin, who said the initial inquiry had been a inadequate investigation.

During 2010, the conclusion by the investigation said that generally, the soldiers had fired first and that none of the casualties had presented danger.

At that time Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, issued an apology in the House of Commons – stating fatalities were "improper and inexcusable."

Relatives of the casualties of the 1972 incident killings march from the neighborhood of the city to the municipal center holding images of their loved ones
Kin of the victims of the tragic event killings walk from the district of Londonderry to the civic building holding photographs of their family members

Law enforcement commenced look into the incident.

One former paratrooper, known as Soldier F, was brought to trial for homicide.

He was charged concerning the deaths of the first individual, in his twenties, and twenty-six-year-old another victim.

Soldier F was additionally charged of trying to kill Patrick O'Donnell, other civilians, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and an unknown person.

Exists a legal order protecting the veteran's privacy, which his lawyers have claimed is required because he is at threat.

He testified the examination that he had solely shot at persons who were armed.

This assertion was dismissed in the final report.

Evidence from the investigation was unable to be used straightforwardly as testimony in the court case.

During the trial, the veteran was hidden from public with a blue curtain.

He made statements for the initial occasion in court at a session in late 2024, to respond "innocent" when the charges were presented.

Family members and supporters of the victims on the incident hold a sign and images of the deceased
Kin and supporters of those killed on the incident carry a placard and images of the victims

Kin of the victims on the incident travelled from Londonderry to Belfast Crown Court each day of the proceedings.

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

"I can see everything in my recollection," the relative said, as we visited the key areas referenced in the trial – from Rossville Street, where his brother was killed, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where one victim and another victim were died.

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

"I participated in moving Michael and put him in the medical transport.

"I went through every moment during the evidence.

"Despite experiencing the process – it's still valuable for me."

James Wray (left) and Another victim (right) were part of who were died on the incident
Valerie Thompson
Valerie Thompson

Tech journalist and digital strategist with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their impact on society.

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