How the Prosecution of an Army Veteran Regarding Bloody Sunday Ended in Case Dismissal
Sunday 30 January 1972 is remembered as among the deadliest – and significant – days in three decades of violence in the region.
In the streets where it happened – the legacy of the tragic events are visible on the buildings and embedded in public consciousness.
A public gathering was held on a cold but bright period in Londonderry.
The protest was challenging the practice of internment – imprisoning people without legal proceedings – which had been implemented in response to three years of unrest.
Military personnel from the Parachute Regiment killed thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and still is, a overwhelmingly Irish nationalist population.
A particular photograph became notably prominent.
Photographs showed a Catholic priest, Father Daly, waving a blood-stained fabric as he tried to protect a crowd carrying a youth, the injured teenager, who had been mortally injured.
Journalists documented considerable film on the day.
Historical records contains Father Daly explaining to a media representative that military personnel "appeared to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no provocation for the discharge of weapons.
That version of what happened was disputed by the initial investigation.
The first investigation found the Army had been shot at first.
Throughout the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government commissioned a fresh examination, following pressure by bereaved relatives, who said Widgery had been a whitewash.
In 2010, the conclusion by the investigation said that on balance, the soldiers had fired first and that not one of the casualties had presented danger.
The then Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, expressed regret in the Parliament – stating deaths were "improper and unacceptable."
Authorities commenced examine the matter.
One former paratrooper, known as the defendant, was charged for killing.
Accusations were made concerning the fatalities of the first individual, 22, and in his mid-twenties the second individual.
The defendant was additionally charged of seeking to harm several people, Joseph Friel, further individuals, an additional individual, and an unknown person.
Remains a judicial decision protecting the soldier's anonymity, which his lawyers have maintained is essential because he is at risk of attack.
He stated to the investigation that he had only fired at individuals who were carrying weapons.
This assertion was dismissed in the concluding document.
Information from the examination could not be used directly as evidence in the criminal process.
During the trial, the defendant was hidden from public with a blue curtain.
He made statements for the first time in the proceedings at a session in late 2024, to reply "not responsible" when the charges were put to him.
Relatives of those who were killed on Bloody Sunday made the trip from Londonderry to the courthouse every day of the case.
A family member, whose brother Michael was died, said they understood that attending the trial would be emotional.
"I can see everything in my recollection," John said, as we visited the primary sites mentioned in the trial – from the street, where Michael was shot dead, to the adjoining the courtyard, where the individual and William McKinney were killed.
"It even takes me back to my location that day.
"I helped to carry my brother and place him in the vehicle.
"I went through each detail during the testimony.
"But even with experiencing the process – it's still worthwhile for me."