The Way this Legal Case of an Army Veteran Regarding Bloody Sunday Concluded in Acquittal

Youths in a stand-off with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a tense situation with army troops on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 stands as arguably the deadliest – and momentous – occasions during thirty years of conflict in this area.

In the streets where it happened – the memories of Bloody Sunday are displayed on the walls and seared in collective memory.

A protest demonstration was conducted on a wintry, sunny day in Derry.

The march was a protest against the practice of imprisonment without charges – detaining individuals without legal proceedings – which had been established following three years of violence.

Fr Edward Daly displayed a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to defend a crowd moving a teenager, the injured teenager
Father Daly used a bloodied fabric as he tried to shield a crowd transporting a youth, Jackie Duddy

Military personnel from the Parachute Regiment shot dead thirteen individuals in the neighborhood – which was, and continues to be, a strongly nationalist population.

A particular photograph became particularly iconic.

Photographs showed a clergyman, Fr Edward Daly, waving a bloodied fabric as he tried to shield a assembly carrying a youth, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.

Journalists recorded much footage on the day.

Historical records includes Father Daly informing a journalist that military personnel "appeared to fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.

Protesters in the district being directed to arrest by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the Bogside area being taken to custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of what happened was disputed by the first inquiry.

The Widgery Tribunal determined the military had been shot at first.

Throughout the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government commissioned a new investigation, following pressure by family members, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

That year, the conclusion by the inquiry said that overall, the soldiers had discharged weapons initially and that none of the victims had presented danger.

The contemporary Prime Minister, David Cameron, issued an apology in the Parliament – saying killings were "without justification and unacceptable."

Relatives of the deceased of the tragic event killings march from the district of the city to the municipal center displaying pictures of their family members
Kin of the casualties of the 1972 incident shootings march from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the civic building displaying pictures of their loved ones

Law enforcement began to examine the incident.

An ex-soldier, referred to as the defendant, was prosecuted for homicide.

He was charged over the fatalities of James Wray, twenty-two, and 26-year-old another victim.

Soldier F was further implicated of attempting to murder multiple individuals, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, another person, and an unknown person.

Remains a legal order protecting the veteran's anonymity, which his legal team have maintained is necessary because he is at danger.

He told the examination that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at people who were possessing firearms.

This assertion was dismissed in the final report.

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

In court, the veteran was shielded from sight behind a protective barrier.

He made statements for the initial occasion in the hearing at a session in December 2024, to respond "not responsible" when the charges were read.

Family members and allies of the victims on that day hold a sign and photographs of the victims
Relatives and advocates of the victims on Bloody Sunday carry a banner and images of the deceased

Kin of the victims on that day journeyed from Londonderry to the courthouse daily of the trial.

John Kelly, whose brother Michael was fatally wounded, said they always knew that hearing the trial would be difficult.

"I remember everything in my recollection," the relative said, as we examined the key areas mentioned in the proceedings – from the street, where his brother was killed, to the adjacent the courtyard, where James Wray and another victim were fatally wounded.

"It reminds me to my position that day.

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

"I experienced again each detail during the evidence.

"But even with experiencing everything – it's still worthwhile for me."

One victim (left) and Another victim (right) were among those who were died on the incident
Scott Baldwin
Scott Baldwin

An avid mountaineer and outdoor enthusiast with over a decade of experience in adventure travel and gear testing.