The Way this Prosecution of a Former Soldier Regarding Bloody Sunday Ended in Case Dismissal

Youths in a stand-off with army troops on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a confrontation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 remains one of the deadliest – and significant – days during thirty years of violence in Northern Ireland.

Throughout the area of the incident – the images of the tragic events are displayed on the structures and embedded in public consciousness.

A public gathering was conducted on a wintry, sunny day in Londonderry.

The demonstration was a protest against the practice of imprisonment without charges – detaining individuals without trial – which had been established after an extended period of conflict.

A Catholic priest waved a bloodied fabric in an effort to defend a group transporting a youth, the fatally wounded youth
Father Daly used a bloodied fabric while attempting to defend a crowd transporting a youth, the fatally wounded youth

Troops from the elite army unit shot dead multiple civilians in the district – which was, and remains, a predominantly nationalist area.

A particular photograph became especially iconic.

Images showed a religious figure, Fr Edward Daly, waving a blood-stained white handkerchief while attempting to shield a group transporting a young man, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.

Media personnel documented extensive video on the day.

Historical records features Fr Daly explaining to a journalist that troops "just seemed to fire in all directions" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no justification for the shooting.

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

That version of the incident wasn't accepted by the initial investigation.

The first investigation concluded the Army had been attacked first.

Throughout the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government set up a new investigation, following pressure by surviving kin, who said the initial inquiry had been a inadequate investigation.

In 2010, the report by the investigation said that overall, the paratroopers had fired first and that none of the casualties had posed any threat.

At that time government leader, the leader, issued an apology in the House of Commons – declaring deaths were "without justification and inexcusable."

Families of the victims of the 1972 incident shootings march from the neighborhood of Derry to the municipal center holding photographs of their relatives
Relatives of the deceased of the Bloody Sunday shootings walk from the Bogside area of Derry to the Guildhall displaying pictures of their loved ones

Authorities began to investigate the events.

A military veteran, known as the accused, was charged for killing.

Accusations were made over the killings of James Wray, twenty-two, and 26-year-old another victim.

The defendant was also accused of trying to kill several people, other civilians, Joe Mahon, an additional individual, and an unnamed civilian.

Exists a judicial decision preserving the soldier's identity protection, which his lawyers have maintained is necessary because he is at danger.

He told the examination that he had solely shot at individuals who were carrying weapons.

The statement was dismissed in the concluding document.

Information from the inquiry would not be used directly as proof in the court case.

In court, the veteran was hidden from public with a privacy screen.

He made statements for the first time in court at a hearing in December 2024, to answer "not guilty" when the charges were put to him.

Relatives and advocates of the victims on Bloody Sunday carry a sign and photos of the victims
Relatives and allies of those killed on that day display a banner and photos of those killed

Relatives of the deceased on Bloody Sunday travelled from Derry to Belfast Crown Court daily of the proceedings.

John Kelly, whose relative was killed, said they always knew that hearing the trial would be painful.

"I visualize everything in my mind's eye," John said, as we examined the primary sites mentioned in the proceedings – from Rossville Street, where the victim was shot dead, to the adjacent the area, where James Wray and another victim were killed.

"It returns me to where I was that day.

"I participated in moving Michael and place him in the vehicle.

"I relived every moment during the testimony.

"Notwithstanding having to go through the process – it's still valuable for me."

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were died on the incident
Patrick Black
Patrick Black

A seasoned gaming enthusiast and writer, Elara specializes in reviewing online casinos and sharing insights to help players maximize their fun and wins.