How the Prosecution of a Former Soldier Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Acquittal
January 30th, 1972 is remembered as arguably the most deadly – and momentous – dates throughout thirty years of conflict in the region.
In the streets where events unfolded – the images of Bloody Sunday are displayed on the walls and embedded in public consciousness.
A public gathering was held on a wintry, sunny day in Derry.
The march was opposing the policy of detention without trial – imprisoning people without due process – which had been implemented in response to an extended period of conflict.
Troops from the Parachute Regiment shot dead multiple civilians in the neighborhood – which was, and remains, a predominantly republican community.
A particular photograph became particularly prominent.
Images showed a Catholic priest, the priest, waving a bloodied white handkerchief while attempting to shield a assembly carrying a youth, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.
Media personnel captured considerable film on the day.
Historical records includes Father Daly telling a journalist that soldiers "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.
This account of what happened wasn't accepted by the initial investigation.
The Widgery Tribunal concluded the soldiers had been attacked first.
During the peace process, the administration established a new investigation, in response to advocacy by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a inadequate investigation.
During 2010, the conclusion by Lord Saville said that overall, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that not one of the individuals had been armed.
The contemporary government leader, David Cameron, issued an apology in the House of Commons – saying fatalities were "improper and unjustifiable."
Authorities commenced investigate the matter.
An ex-soldier, known as the defendant, was charged for killing.
Accusations were made concerning the deaths of one victim, 22, and 26-year-old the second individual.
The defendant was further implicated of seeking to harm multiple individuals, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.
Remains a judicial decision protecting the veteran's anonymity, which his lawyers have maintained is essential because he is at risk of attack.
He stated to the investigation that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at people who were armed.
That claim was rejected in the concluding document.
Material from the examination would not be used straightforwardly as testimony in the legal proceedings.
During the trial, the defendant was shielded from sight behind a privacy screen.
He made statements for the initial occasion in the hearing at a session in December 2024, to reply "not guilty" when the allegations were presented.
Family members of the victims on that day made the trip from Derry to the judicial building each day of the case.
A family member, whose sibling was fatally wounded, said they understood that attending the trial would be emotional.
"I can see all details in my memory," John said, as we examined the primary sites mentioned in the case – from the street, where Michael was fatally wounded, to the adjacent the courtyard, where one victim and another victim were died.
"It even takes me back to where I was that day.
"I helped to carry my brother and lay him in the medical transport.
"I went through each detail during the evidence.
"Despite enduring everything – it's still worthwhile for me."