The Way this Trial of an Army Veteran Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Not Guilty Verdict

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

January 30th, 1972 remains arguably the most deadly – and momentous – dates in thirty years of violence in the region.

Throughout the area where it happened – the memories of the tragic events are painted on the structures and seared in collective memory.

A public gathering was organized on a chilly yet clear period in Londonderry.

The march was a protest against the system of detention without trial – holding suspects without due process – which had been established after three years of unrest.

Fr Edward Daly used a blood-stained handkerchief as he tried to defend a crowd carrying a young man, the injured teenager
Fr Edward Daly waved a white cloth stained with blood while attempting to shield a group transporting a young man, the fatally wounded youth

Military personnel from the Parachute Regiment killed thirteen individuals in the neighborhood – which was, and still is, a strongly republican area.

One image became particularly prominent.

Photographs showed a clergyman, Father Daly, using a blood-stained white handkerchief in his effort to protect a group transporting a young man, the injured teenager, who had been killed.

Journalists captured much footage on the day.

Historical records contains Father Daly explaining to a journalist that soldiers "just seemed to fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no reason for the shooting.

Protesters in the Bogside area being taken to custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the Bogside area being directed to arrest by British troops on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of events was rejected by the original examination.

The first investigation determined the military had been fired upon initially.

Throughout the peace process, the ruling party established another inquiry, after campaigning by family members, who said the initial inquiry had been a inadequate investigation.

During 2010, the report by Lord Saville said that overall, the soldiers had initiated shooting and that none of the victims had been armed.

At that time Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, apologised in the House of Commons – declaring deaths were "without justification and unacceptable."

Kin of the deceased of the tragic event fatalities process from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the civic building holding images of their family members
Kin of the casualties of the tragic event killings process from the district of Londonderry to the Guildhall holding images of their family members

Law enforcement started to look into the matter.

An ex-soldier, identified as Soldier F, was brought to trial for killing.

Accusations were made concerning the killings of James Wray, twenty-two, and in his mid-twenties the second individual.

Soldier F was further implicated of seeking to harm multiple individuals, Joseph Friel, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unnamed civilian.

There is a legal order protecting the veteran's identity protection, which his attorneys have maintained is required because he is at risk of attack.

He stated to the examination that he had solely shot at individuals who were armed.

The statement was dismissed in the official findings.

Evidence from the inquiry was unable to be used immediately as evidence in the legal proceedings.

In court, the defendant was shielded from sight behind a blue curtain.

He spoke for the first time in the proceedings at a hearing in late 2024, to reply "not guilty" when the charges were put to him.

Family members and advocates of those killed on Bloody Sunday carry a placard and photos of the victims
Kin and advocates of the deceased on that day display a placard and photographs of the deceased

Relatives of the deceased on Bloody Sunday travelled from Londonderry to the courthouse every day of the trial.

One relative, whose relative was killed, said they understood that listening to the trial would be emotional.

"I can see all details in my mind's eye," the relative said, as we examined the main locations discussed in the case – from the location, where Michael was killed, to the adjacent the area, where the individual and another victim were killed.

"It returns me to my location that day.

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

"I experienced again each detail during the evidence.

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

James Wray (left) and Another victim (right) were part of who were fatally wounded on Bloody Sunday
Lisa Pena
Lisa Pena

A seasoned digital marketer with over a decade of experience in driving online success for businesses worldwide.