How the Prosecution of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Not Guilty Verdict

Protesters in a tense situation with military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a tense situation with army troops on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 remains arguably the most deadly – and momentous – days during thirty years of violence in the region.

Within the community of the incident – the images of that fateful day are visible on the buildings and seared in public consciousness.

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

The protest was a protest against the practice of detention without trial – imprisoning people without trial – which had been implemented following an extended period of conflict.

A Catholic priest displayed a blood-stained handkerchief as he tried to protect a assembly transporting a young man, the fatally wounded youth
Fr Edward Daly displayed a white cloth stained with blood while attempting to defend a group carrying a teenager, the fatally wounded youth

Military personnel from the specialized division shot dead multiple civilians in the district – which was, and remains, a overwhelmingly Irish nationalist population.

A particular photograph became particularly prominent.

Pictures showed a clergyman, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a blood-stained fabric while attempting to protect a crowd transporting a teenager, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.

Media personnel recorded considerable film on the day.

Documented accounts features the priest explaining to a journalist that soldiers "just seemed to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no reason for the discharge of weapons.

Civilians in the Bogside area being taken to detention by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the neighborhood being taken to custody by British troops on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of what happened wasn't accepted by the original examination.

The initial inquiry concluded the Army had been shot at first.

Throughout the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government set up a new investigation, following pressure by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

In 2010, the conclusion by the investigation said that on balance, the soldiers had fired first and that not one of the victims had been armed.

At that time head of state, David Cameron, apologised in the House of Commons – declaring killings were "unjustified and inexcusable."

Relatives of the deceased of the Bloody Sunday shootings march from the neighborhood of the city to the civic building holding images of their loved ones
Kin of the casualties of the Bloody Sunday killings walk from the neighborhood of Derry to the municipal center displaying images of their loved ones

Law enforcement began to investigate the matter.

An ex-soldier, referred to as the defendant, was brought to trial for killing.

Indictments were filed regarding the fatalities of the first individual, in his twenties, and 26-year-old William McKinney.

Soldier F was additionally charged of seeking to harm multiple individuals, additional persons, further individuals, Michael Quinn, and an unknown person.

There is a judicial decision maintaining the soldier's identity protection, which his lawyers have maintained is necessary because he is at risk of attack.

He told the examination that he had only fired at people who were possessing firearms.

That claim was disputed in the official findings.

Evidence from the investigation would not be used directly as proof in the legal proceedings.

In the dock, the accused was screened from view behind a protective barrier.

He spoke for the opening instance in the proceedings at a session in December 2024, to reply "innocent" when the accusations were presented.

Kin and allies of the deceased on Bloody Sunday carry a placard and images of those killed
Relatives and supporters of the victims on Bloody Sunday carry a placard and images of those killed

Relatives of those who were killed on Bloody Sunday made the trip from Derry to Belfast Crown Court every day of the case.

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

"I can see the events in my recollection," John said, as we examined the main locations mentioned in the proceedings – from Rossville Street, where Michael was fatally wounded, to the adjoining the courtyard, where the individual and the second person were died.

"It even takes me back to my position that day.

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

"I went through every moment during the testimony.

"Despite experiencing the process – it's still valuable for me."

James Wray (left) and Another victim (right) were included who were fatally wounded on the incident
Diana Martinez
Diana Martinez

Data scientist and AI enthusiast with a passion for making complex technologies accessible through clear, engaging writing.