How this Trial of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Case Dismissal

Youths in a confrontation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Protesters in a stand-off with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday

Sunday 30 January 1972 remains one of the deadliest – and significant – occasions during multiple decades of violence in the region.

Within the community where events unfolded – the legacy of the tragic events are displayed on the walls and embedded in collective memory.

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

The demonstration was opposing the system of imprisonment without charges – detaining individuals without due process – which had been established after multiple years of conflict.

Father Daly used a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to shield a group transporting a teenager, the fatally wounded youth
Father Daly displayed a blood-stained handkerchief in an effort to shield a assembly carrying a teenager, the injured teenager

Soldiers from the specialized division killed 13 people in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a strongly Irish nationalist community.

One image became especially iconic.

Pictures showed a religious figure, the priest, displaying a stained with blood white handkerchief while attempting to protect a assembly carrying a young man, the injured teenager, who had been fatally wounded.

Journalists documented extensive video on the day.

Historical records features Fr Daly telling a journalist that troops "just seemed to fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no justification for the gunfire.

Protesters in the neighborhood being directed to detention by British troops on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the district being marched towards custody by British troops on Bloody Sunday

The narrative of what happened was rejected by the original examination.

The first investigation determined the military had been attacked first.

In the resolution efforts, Tony Blair's government set up another inquiry, after campaigning by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

In 2010, the report by the inquiry said that on balance, the military personnel had fired first and that not one of the casualties had presented danger.

At that time head of state, the Prime Minister, expressed regret in the government chamber – stating killings were "unjustified and unacceptable."

Families of the victims of the tragic event shootings process from the district of the city to the Guildhall carrying images of their family members
Relatives of the casualties of the 1972 incident killings march from the neighborhood of Londonderry to the civic building holding photographs of their family members

Authorities started to examine the events.

An ex-soldier, known as Soldier F, was brought to trial for murder.

Accusations were made over the killings of the first individual, 22, and twenty-six-year-old another victim.

The defendant was also accused of trying to kill multiple individuals, Joseph Friel, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unnamed civilian.

Exists a judicial decision maintaining the veteran's privacy, 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 individuals who were armed.

This assertion was rejected in the official findings.

Information from the examination would not be used immediately as testimony in the court case.

In the dock, the accused was shielded from sight using a protective barrier.

He made statements for the opening instance in the hearing at a hearing in December 2024, to answer "innocent" when the accusations were put to him.

Relatives and allies of those killed on the incident hold a banner and photos of those killed
Family members and supporters of those killed on Bloody Sunday hold a banner and images of the deceased

Relatives of the victims on Bloody Sunday travelled from Derry to the courthouse daily of the trial.

A family member, whose relative was fatally wounded, said they always knew that listening to the proceedings would be difficult.

"I visualize the events in my mind's eye," John said, as we examined the key areas mentioned in the proceedings – from the street, where the victim was shot dead, to the adjoining the courtyard, where the individual and the second person were killed.

"It returns me to my location that day.

"I helped to carry Michael and put him in the vehicle.

"I went through the entire event during the evidence.

"Notwithstanding experiencing all that – it's still worthwhile for me."

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

Digital marketing strategist with over a decade of experience in helping businesses scale through effective funnel optimization and data-driven campaigns.

November 2025 Blog Roll

Popular Post