How this Legal Case of a Former Soldier Over Bloody Sunday Concluded in Case Dismissal

Protesters in a tense situation with army troops on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a tense situation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 is remembered as among the deadliest – and consequential – days during thirty years of violence in this area.

Throughout the area where events unfolded – the memories of that fateful day are visible on the buildings and embedded in public consciousness.

A public gathering was organized on a wintry, sunny day in Derry.

The demonstration was a protest against the system of imprisonment without charges – imprisoning people without legal proceedings – which had been established after three years of conflict.

A Catholic priest used a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to shield a assembly transporting a teenager, Jackie Duddy
Fr Edward Daly used a blood-stained handkerchief in an effort to defend a group moving a young man, Jackie Duddy

Military personnel from the Parachute Regiment fatally wounded multiple civilians in the neighborhood – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly Irish nationalist community.

A particular photograph became particularly prominent.

Photographs showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, using a stained with blood white handkerchief while attempting to shield a assembly carrying a teenager, the injured teenager, who had been fatally wounded.

News camera operators documented considerable film on the day.

Historical records includes the priest telling a journalist that troops "just seemed to fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.

Civilians in the district being taken to detention by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the Bogside area being directed to custody by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of events was disputed by the original examination.

The first investigation determined the Army had been attacked first.

During the negotiation period, the ruling party set up another inquiry, in response to advocacy by family members, who said Widgery had been a whitewash.

That year, the findings by Lord Saville said that generally, the military personnel had discharged weapons initially and that none of the casualties had posed any threat.

At that time Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, apologised in the Parliament – saying fatalities were "unjustified and unacceptable."

Families of the deceased of the tragic event shootings march from the neighborhood of Derry to the Guildhall displaying images of their loved ones
Relatives of the deceased of the tragic event fatalities walk from the district of the city to the civic building holding photographs of their loved ones

The police commenced examine the events.

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

Accusations were made regarding the killings of the first individual, in his twenties, and in his mid-twenties the second individual.

Soldier F was further implicated of attempting to murder multiple individuals, additional persons, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unnamed civilian.

There is a legal order preserving the veteran's anonymity, which his lawyers have claimed is necessary because he is at threat.

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

The statement was dismissed in the official findings.

Evidence from the investigation was unable to be used straightforwardly as testimony in the criminal process.

During the trial, the accused was shielded from sight behind a blue curtain.

He made statements for the first time in the hearing at a hearing in December 2024, to reply "not responsible" when the allegations were presented.

Family members and advocates of the deceased on that day hold a banner and photographs of those killed
Kin and supporters of those killed on that day display a placard and photographs of the deceased

Relatives of those who were killed on the incident travelled from the city to the judicial building each day of the case.

John Kelly, whose brother Michael was fatally wounded, said they always knew that listening to the proceedings would be painful.

"I remember everything in my recollection," the relative said, as we visited the main locations referenced in the proceedings – from the location, where the victim was shot dead, to the adjoining the area, where one victim and another victim were died.

"It returns me to my location that day.

"I helped to carry my brother and place him in the medical transport.

"I experienced again each detail during the proceedings.

"Notwithstanding enduring the process – it's still meaningful for me."

One victim (left) and Another victim (right) were part of who were died on Bloody Sunday
Sarah Robinson
Sarah Robinson

Urban planner and writer passionate about creating livable, eco-friendly cities through innovative design and community engagement.