How this Trial of an Army Veteran Regarding Bloody Sunday Ended in Case Dismissal
January 30th, 1972 is remembered as one of the most fatal – and consequential – occasions throughout thirty years of unrest in this area.
Throughout the area where events unfolded – the legacy of that fateful day are displayed on the walls and etched in people's minds.
A protest demonstration was conducted on a chilly yet clear afternoon in Londonderry.
The demonstration was a protest against the system of detention without trial – holding suspects without legal proceedings – which had been established following an extended period of conflict.
Military personnel from the specialized division shot dead 13 people in the neighborhood – which was, and remains, a strongly Irish nationalist population.
One image became notably iconic.
Pictures showed a religious figure, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a stained with blood fabric as he tried to defend a crowd transporting a teenager, Jackie Duddy, who had been fatally wounded.
Journalists recorded considerable film on the day.
Historical records includes Father Daly informing a journalist that soldiers "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no provocation for the shooting.
That version of events wasn't accepted by the original examination.
The initial inquiry determined the Army had been attacked first.
During the peace process, the administration commissioned another inquiry, after campaigning by bereaved relatives, who said the first investigation had been a whitewash.
During 2010, the conclusion by Lord Saville said that overall, the paratroopers had initiated shooting and that not one of the victims had been armed.
At that time Prime Minister, the leader, expressed regret in the government chamber – stating killings were "unjustified and inexcusable."
Law enforcement began to investigate the matter.
An ex-soldier, identified as the accused, was prosecuted for homicide.
Indictments were filed concerning the fatalities of James Wray, twenty-two, and 26-year-old another victim.
The defendant was further implicated of trying to kill Patrick O'Donnell, other civilians, further individuals, another person, and an unnamed civilian.
There is a legal order protecting the soldier's privacy, which his legal team have argued is required because he is at danger.
He stated to the investigation that he had solely shot at individuals who were carrying weapons.
This assertion was disputed in the concluding document.
Evidence from the investigation could not be used directly as evidence in the legal proceedings.
During the trial, the defendant was shielded from sight with a privacy screen.
He addressed the court for the initial occasion in court at a proceeding in late 2024, to reply "not guilty" when the accusations were presented.
Relatives of those who were killed on that day journeyed from Derry to the judicial building every day of the proceedings.
A family member, whose sibling was died, said they always knew that hearing the trial would be painful.
"I can see everything in my mind's eye," John said, as we visited the key areas discussed in the case – from Rossville Street, where the victim was shot dead, to the adjoining the area, where the individual and another victim were killed.
"It even takes me back to my position that day.
"I assisted with the victim and lay him in the medical transport.
"I relived every moment during the proceedings.
"Despite having to go through all that – it's still valuable for me."