How this Trial of an Army Veteran Regarding Bloody Sunday Ended in Case Dismissal

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

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.

Father Daly displayed a white cloth stained with blood while attempting to defend a assembly carrying a young man, the fatally wounded youth
A Catholic priest waved a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to defend a assembly carrying a youth, the fatally wounded youth

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.

Civilians in the Bogside area being marched towards arrest by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the district being marched towards arrest by British troops on Bloody Sunday

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."

Families of the casualties of the Bloody Sunday killings walk from the Bogside area of Londonderry to the municipal center carrying photographs of their family members
Kin of the casualties of the tragic event killings walk from the neighborhood of Derry to the municipal center holding images of their family members

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.

Family members and advocates of the victims on the incident hold a banner and photographs of the deceased
Relatives and supporters of the victims on Bloody Sunday carry a sign and photographs of the victims

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."

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were killed on Bloody Sunday
Alexis Mills
Alexis Mills

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