How the Legal Case of a Former Soldier Regarding Bloody Sunday Concluded in Acquittal

January 30th, 1972 stands as among the most deadly – and significant – dates throughout thirty years of conflict in Northern Ireland.

In the streets where it happened – the images of Bloody Sunday are painted on the buildings and etched in collective memory.

A civil rights march was held on a chilly yet clear period in Derry.

The march was opposing the practice of internment – detaining individuals without trial – which had been implemented following an extended period of conflict.

Soldiers from the Parachute Regiment fatally wounded thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly republican population.

A particular photograph became especially memorable.

Pictures showed a religious figure, Father Daly, waving a blood-stained fabric in his effort to protect a group moving a young man, the injured teenager, who had been mortally injured.

Media personnel captured considerable film on the day.

Historical records features Father Daly explaining to a journalist that troops "gave the impression they would fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no provocation for the discharge of weapons.

That version of what happened wasn't accepted by the initial investigation.

The first investigation concluded the Army had been attacked first.

During the peace process, the ruling party commissioned another inquiry, following pressure by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a whitewash.

During 2010, the findings by Lord Saville said that generally, the soldiers had discharged weapons initially and that zero among the casualties had been armed.

At that time Prime Minister, the leader, expressed regret in the government chamber – declaring fatalities were "unjustified and unacceptable."

Authorities started to look into the events.

A military veteran, referred to as the defendant, was prosecuted for homicide.

Indictments were filed over the killings of one victim, in his twenties, and in his mid-twenties another victim.

The defendant was also accused of attempting to murder multiple individuals, other civilians, further individuals, an additional individual, and an unnamed civilian.

Remains a court ruling protecting the soldier's identity protection, which his attorneys have claimed is required because he is at danger.

He stated to the examination that he had solely shot at individuals who were possessing firearms.

That claim was dismissed in the final report.

Information from the inquiry would not be used directly as proof in the legal proceedings.

In court, the accused was shielded from sight using a blue curtain.

He spoke for the first time in court at a hearing in late 2024, to answer "not responsible" when the allegations were read.

Family members of those who were killed on the incident made the trip from Londonderry to Belfast Crown Court daily of the proceedings.

A family member, whose sibling was killed, said they always knew that attending the proceedings would be painful.

"I can see everything in my memory," he said, as we examined the main locations mentioned in the trial – from the location, where the victim was killed, to the adjacent the courtyard, where James Wray and another victim were killed.

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

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

"I experienced again each detail during the proceedings.

"Despite having to go through all that – it's still meaningful for me."