How the Trial of a Former Soldier Over Bloody Sunday Ended in Case Dismissal

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

January 30th, 1972 stands as arguably the deadliest – and significant – occasions during thirty years of violence in the region.

In the streets of the incident – the memories of that fateful day are painted on the buildings and seared in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was held on a cold but bright period in the city.

The march was a protest against the system of internment – holding suspects without due process – which had been implemented following an extended period of unrest.

A Catholic priest waved a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to shield a group moving a young man, Jackie Duddy
Fr Edward Daly waved a bloodied fabric while attempting to protect a crowd transporting a young man, Jackie Duddy

Soldiers from the specialized division killed 13 people in the Bogside area – which was, and remains, a overwhelmingly Irish nationalist community.

A specific visual became notably prominent.

Pictures showed a religious figure, Fr Edward Daly, waving a blood-stained fabric in his effort to protect a assembly moving a young man, Jackie Duddy, who had been mortally injured.

Media personnel captured extensive video on the day.

The archive includes Fr Daly telling a media representative that troops "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no provocation for the shooting.

Individuals in the Bogside area being directed to arrest by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in the district being directed to arrest by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

That version of the incident was rejected by the first inquiry.

The Widgery Tribunal determined the soldiers had been shot at 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 cover-up.

That year, the report by Lord Saville said that on balance, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that none of the victims had presented danger.

The contemporary head of state, the leader, expressed regret in the House of Commons – saying fatalities were "unjustified and inexcusable."

Families of the victims of the Bloody Sunday shootings process from the district of Londonderry to the Guildhall holding pictures of their family members
Families of the deceased of the 1972 incident shootings walk from the Bogside area of the city to the Guildhall carrying pictures of their loved ones

Law enforcement began to investigate the incident.

An ex-soldier, referred to as Soldier F, was charged for homicide.

He was charged regarding the killings of James Wray, twenty-two, and in his mid-twenties another victim.

The accused was also accused of attempting to murder Patrick O'Donnell, Joseph Friel, further individuals, an additional individual, and an unidentified individual.

There is a legal order maintaining the soldier's anonymity, which his legal team have maintained is essential because he is at risk of attack.

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

This assertion was rejected in the final report.

Information from the investigation would not be used straightforwardly as testimony in the criminal process.

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

He addressed the court for the initial occasion in the proceedings at a session in that month, to reply "innocent" when the charges were presented.

Relatives and allies of those killed on Bloody Sunday carry a banner and photographs of those killed
Relatives and advocates of those killed on the incident display a sign and images of those killed

Kin of those who were killed on Bloody Sunday made the trip from Londonderry to the judicial building every day of the case.

One relative, whose brother Michael was fatally wounded, said they understood that hearing the case would be painful.

"I can see all details in my mind's eye," John said, as we walked around the key areas referenced in the proceedings – from Rossville Street, where his brother was fatally wounded, to the adjoining the area, where one victim and another victim were fatally wounded.

"It reminds me to my position that day.

"I helped to carry Michael and lay him in the vehicle.

"I relived every moment during the evidence.

"But even with having to go through everything – it's still worthwhile for me."

One victim (left) and Another victim (right) were among those who were fatally wounded on Bloody Sunday
Angela Johnson
Angela Johnson

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