The Way this Legal Case of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Not Guilty Verdict

Youths in a tense situation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a tense situation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 stands as among the most fatal – and consequential – occasions throughout three decades of violence in the region.

Within the community where events unfolded – the memories of Bloody Sunday are painted on the structures and embedded in collective memory.

A public gathering was held on a chilly yet clear afternoon in Londonderry.

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

Fr Edward Daly waved a bloodied fabric while attempting to defend a assembly transporting a youth, the injured teenager
Fr Edward Daly displayed a bloodied fabric while attempting to defend a crowd carrying a young man, Jackie Duddy

Soldiers from the elite army unit fatally wounded 13 people in the Bogside area – which was, and remains, a strongly republican population.

One image became especially prominent.

Pictures showed a Catholic priest, the priest, using a stained with blood white handkerchief as he tried to defend a group transporting a youth, the injured teenager, who had been killed.

Journalists captured much footage on the day.

Historical records includes Father Daly explaining to a reporter that troops "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no reason for the gunfire.

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

The narrative of the incident wasn't accepted by the initial investigation.

The first investigation concluded the Army had been shot at first.

During the negotiation period, the administration established another inquiry, following pressure by bereaved relatives, who said the first investigation had been a inadequate investigation.

During 2010, the conclusion by the inquiry said that overall, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that not one of the casualties had been armed.

At that time government leader, the leader, apologised in the government chamber – saying deaths were "improper and unjustifiable."

Families of the casualties of the tragic event shootings march from the neighborhood of Derry to the Guildhall carrying pictures of their family members
Kin of the deceased of the Bloody Sunday shootings walk from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the municipal center carrying pictures of their loved ones

The police started to examine the events.

An ex-soldier, identified as Soldier F, was prosecuted for murder.

He was charged regarding the killings of James Wray, in his twenties, and 26-year-old another victim.

Soldier F was additionally charged of trying to kill Patrick O'Donnell, other civilians, further individuals, another person, and an unidentified individual.

Remains a legal order maintaining the veteran's privacy, which his lawyers have claimed is necessary because he is at danger.

He testified the investigation that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at individuals who were possessing firearms.

The statement was disputed in the official findings.

Information from the investigation would not be used immediately as testimony in the criminal process.

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

He made statements for the first time in the hearing at a proceeding in December 2024, to answer "innocent" when the allegations were presented.

Kin and advocates of the victims on that day hold a sign and photographs of those killed
Family members and allies of those killed on that day hold a banner and images of the victims

Relatives of the victims on the incident travelled from Londonderry to Belfast Crown Court each day of the trial.

John Kelly, whose sibling was died, said they were aware that hearing the trial would be emotional.

"I remember the events in my memory," he said, as we visited the key areas referenced in the proceedings – from the street, where the victim was killed, to the nearby the courtyard, where the individual and the second person were fatally wounded.

"It returns me to my position that day.

"I assisted with Michael and lay him in the medical transport.

"I experienced again the entire event during the evidence.

"But even with enduring the process – it's still valuable for me."

James Wray (left) and William McKinney (right) were included who were killed on Bloody Sunday
Brandy Hicks
Brandy Hicks

A passionate football journalist with over a decade of experience covering Italian soccer, specializing in Turin-based clubs and their impact on the sport.