How the Legal Case of a Former Soldier Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Case Dismissal

Protesters in a tense situation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a confrontation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 is remembered as one of the most fatal – and momentous – occasions during thirty years of violence in this area.

Throughout the area where events unfolded – the images of the tragic events are displayed on the walls and etched in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was held on a cold but bright afternoon in Londonderry.

The protest was opposing the policy of detention without trial – holding suspects without due process – which had been implemented in response to an extended period of unrest.

A Catholic priest displayed a white cloth stained with blood in an effort to protect a group transporting a young man, the injured teenager
A Catholic priest waved a blood-stained handkerchief as he tried to protect a crowd carrying a youth, the injured teenager

Troops from the Parachute Regiment shot dead thirteen individuals in the district – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly Irish nationalist area.

One image became notably prominent.

Images showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a bloodied cloth as he tried to defend a assembly carrying a teenager, the fatally wounded individual, who had been mortally injured.

Journalists captured extensive video on the day.

Documented accounts contains Fr Daly explaining to a journalist that troops "appeared to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no provocation for the discharge of weapons.

Protesters in the neighborhood being marched towards detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in the Bogside area being taken to custody by British troops on Bloody Sunday

That version of the incident wasn't accepted by the original examination.

The initial inquiry found the military had been fired upon initially.

During the resolution efforts, the ruling party established a new investigation, after campaigning by family members, who said the first investigation had been a cover-up.

During 2010, the conclusion by Lord Saville said that generally, the military personnel had initiated shooting and that none of the casualties had posed any threat.

At that time Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, issued an apology in the Parliament – stating killings were "unjustified and unacceptable."

Kin of the victims of the tragic event shootings walk from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the civic building displaying images of their loved ones
Relatives of the deceased of the Bloody Sunday shootings march from the Bogside area of Derry to the civic building carrying photographs of their loved ones

The police started to look into the incident.

An ex-soldier, known as the defendant, was brought to trial for murder.

He was charged over the killings of the first individual, 22, and in his mid-twenties the second individual.

The defendant was further implicated of trying to kill several people, other civilians, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.

Exists a legal order preserving the soldier's privacy, which his lawyers have claimed is essential because he is at risk of attack.

He stated to the examination that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at individuals who were carrying weapons.

This assertion was rejected in the final report.

Material from the examination would not be used directly as proof in the court case.

In court, the defendant was shielded from sight using a protective barrier.

He spoke for the opening instance in court at a session in late 2024, to respond "not responsible" when the accusations were put to him.

Kin and allies of those killed on Bloody Sunday display a placard and photographs of those killed
Kin and supporters of the victims on that day hold a banner and photographs of the victims

Kin of those who were killed on that day journeyed from the city to the courthouse each day of the case.

One relative, whose brother Michael was died, said they always knew that attending the trial would be painful.

"I remember all details in my memory," he said, as we visited the main locations referenced in the proceedings – from Rossville Street, where his brother was shot dead, to the nearby the area, where the individual and William McKinney were died.

"It even takes me back to where I was that day.

"I assisted with the victim and put him in the ambulance.

"I experienced again each detail during the evidence.

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

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) were among those who were died on Bloody Sunday
Travis Morgan
Travis Morgan

Seasoned gaming expert and reviewer with over a decade in the online casino industry, specializing in high-roller strategies.