The Way the Legal Case of an Army Veteran Regarding Bloody Sunday Ended in Case Dismissal

Protesters in a tense situation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a tense situation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 stands as among the most deadly – and momentous – dates in multiple decades of conflict in the region.

Within the community where events unfolded – the images of the tragic events are painted on the structures and etched in public consciousness.

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

The protest was challenging the system of imprisonment without charges – imprisoning people without legal proceedings – which had been put in place after three years of conflict.

A Catholic priest waved a bloodied fabric as he tried to shield a assembly carrying a young man, the injured teenager
Fr Edward Daly waved a bloodied fabric while attempting to defend a assembly carrying a teenager, the fatally wounded youth

Soldiers from the Parachute Regiment fatally wounded thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a strongly republican population.

One image became especially iconic.

Pictures showed a clergyman, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a blood-stained fabric in his effort to defend a group moving a youth, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.

Journalists recorded much footage on the day.

Historical records contains Fr Daly telling a journalist that soldiers "gave the impression they would discharge weapons randomly" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no reason for the shooting.

Protesters in the district being directed to detention by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the district being directed to custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

This account of what happened was disputed by the first inquiry.

The first investigation found the military had been shot at first.

Throughout the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government established a new investigation, following pressure by bereaved relatives, who said the first investigation had been a inadequate investigation.

In 2010, the conclusion by the inquiry said that generally, the military personnel had discharged weapons initially and that none of the victims had presented danger.

The contemporary Prime Minister, the leader, issued an apology in the government chamber – stating fatalities were "without justification and unjustifiable."

Relatives of the casualties of the Bloody Sunday shootings walk from the Bogside area of the city to the municipal center carrying images of their family members
Kin of the casualties of the Bloody Sunday shootings walk from the neighborhood of the city to the Guildhall displaying pictures of their relatives

The police began to examine the matter.

An ex-soldier, known as Soldier F, was charged for homicide.

Accusations were made concerning the fatalities of the first individual, in his twenties, and twenty-six-year-old another victim.

Soldier F was also accused of trying to kill multiple individuals, other civilians, further individuals, an additional individual, and an unnamed civilian.

Exists a judicial decision preserving the soldier's anonymity, which his lawyers have argued is necessary because he is at threat.

He stated to the investigation that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at people who were possessing firearms.

This assertion was dismissed in the concluding document.

Information from the inquiry was unable to be used straightforwardly as testimony in the criminal process.

During the trial, the defendant was screened from view using a privacy screen.

He spoke for the opening instance in court at a session in late 2024, to reply "not responsible" when the charges were read.

Kin and advocates of those killed on Bloody Sunday carry a banner and photographs of those killed
Kin and supporters of the victims on that day carry a banner and photographs of those killed

Family members of the victims on the incident journeyed from Derry to the courthouse each day of the proceedings.

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

"I visualize everything in my recollection," the relative said, as we visited the key areas referenced in the case – from the location, where Michael was killed, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where one victim and another victim were killed.

"It returns me to my position that day.

"I participated in moving Michael and lay him in the ambulance.

"I relived every moment during the evidence.

"Notwithstanding having to go through all that – it's still meaningful for me."

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were part of who were killed on Bloody Sunday
Sandra Reed
Sandra Reed

A passionate traveler and writer sharing personal experiences and expert advice on Canadian destinations and outdoor activities.