How this Trial of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Acquittal

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

January 30th, 1972 is remembered as among the deadliest – and significant – days during multiple decades of unrest in the region.

Within the community where it happened – the images of that fateful day are painted on the buildings and etched in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was held on a chilly yet clear period in the city.

The march was a protest against the practice of imprisonment without charges – holding suspects without due process – which had been put in place following three years of conflict.

A Catholic priest waved a blood-stained handkerchief while attempting to defend a crowd moving a youth, the injured teenager
A Catholic priest waved a bloodied fabric while attempting to protect a group transporting a teenager, the fatally wounded youth

Troops from the elite army unit shot dead thirteen individuals in the neighborhood – which was, and continues to be, a strongly republican community.

A particular photograph became especially memorable.

Images showed a clergyman, the priest, using a stained with blood fabric in his effort to shield a group transporting a teenager, the injured teenager, who had been mortally injured.

News camera operators documented extensive video on the day.

Historical records contains the priest explaining to a reporter that troops "gave the impression they would discharge weapons randomly" and he was "completely sure" that there was no reason for the discharge of weapons.

Civilians in the Bogside area being directed to custody by soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Individuals in the district being directed to arrest by soldiers on Bloody Sunday

This account of what happened was rejected by the initial investigation.

The initial inquiry found the military had been attacked first.

During the peace process, the ruling party established a fresh examination, following pressure by family members, who said the first investigation had been a cover-up.

In 2010, the report by Lord Saville said that on balance, the military personnel had discharged weapons initially and that zero among the casualties had presented danger.

The contemporary head of state, the Prime Minister, issued an apology in the Parliament – declaring deaths were "improper and unacceptable."

Kin of the victims of the 1972 incident shootings walk from the Bogside area of Derry to the municipal center holding images of their relatives
Kin of the deceased of the tragic event fatalities march from the district of the city to the civic building displaying pictures of their loved ones

The police began to look into the events.

One former paratrooper, identified as the accused, was prosecuted for homicide.

Accusations were made over the fatalities of one victim, twenty-two, and twenty-six-year-old the second individual.

Soldier F was also accused of seeking to harm Patrick O'Donnell, additional persons, further individuals, another person, and an unknown person.

There is a legal order preserving the soldier's privacy, which his lawyers have argued is necessary because he is at threat.

He told the examination that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at persons who were possessing firearms.

That claim was disputed in the final report.

Material from the inquiry would not be used straightforwardly as proof in the legal proceedings.

In the dock, the veteran was screened from view with a protective barrier.

He spoke for the initial occasion in court at a proceeding in late 2024, to answer "not guilty" when the allegations were put to him.

Relatives and allies of the deceased on Bloody Sunday display a sign and photos of those killed
Family members and advocates of the victims on Bloody Sunday display a banner and photos of those killed

Family members of those who were killed on Bloody Sunday journeyed from Derry to the courthouse each day of the trial.

A family member, whose sibling was died, said they always knew that listening to the trial would be emotional.

"I remember the events in my mind's eye," he said, as we walked around the key areas referenced in the trial – from Rossville Street, where the victim was fatally wounded, to the adjacent the area, where one victim and another victim were killed.

"It even takes me back to where I was that day.

"I assisted with Michael and place him in the vehicle.

"I went through every moment during the evidence.

"But even with having to go through the process – it's still worthwhile for me."

One victim (left) and William McKinney (right) were included who were killed on the incident
Travis Hays
Travis Hays

A passionate historian and casino enthusiast with over a decade of experience in vintage gaming and slot machine restoration.