How this Trial of a Former Soldier Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Case Dismissal
Sunday 30 January 1972 remains one of the most fatal – and consequential – dates throughout three decades of violence in this area.
Throughout the area where it happened – the images of that fateful day are displayed on the buildings and embedded in public consciousness.
A protest demonstration was held on a chilly yet clear day in the city.
The march was opposing the policy of internment – holding suspects without legal proceedings – which had been established following three years of violence.
Troops from the Parachute Regiment fatally wounded multiple civilians in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a strongly republican population.
A specific visual became especially prominent.
Pictures showed a Catholic priest, Father Daly, using a blood-stained white handkerchief while attempting to shield a assembly transporting a teenager, the injured teenager, who had been fatally wounded.
Media personnel recorded extensive video on the day.
The archive contains the priest explaining to a journalist that military personnel "appeared to fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no provocation for the discharge of weapons.
That version of the incident was rejected by the first inquiry.
The Widgery Tribunal determined the soldiers had been shot at first.
During the resolution efforts, the administration commissioned a new investigation, in response to advocacy by family members, who said Widgery had been a whitewash.
That year, the conclusion by Lord Saville said that generally, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that zero among the individuals had presented danger.
The then head of state, David Cameron, issued an apology in the government chamber – declaring killings were "improper and inexcusable."
Law enforcement started to look into the incident.
A military veteran, referred to as Soldier F, was brought to trial for homicide.
He was charged concerning the fatalities of James Wray, twenty-two, and twenty-six-year-old another victim.
The defendant was further implicated of seeking to harm multiple individuals, other civilians, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and an unknown person.
Remains a legal order protecting the soldier's identity protection, which his legal team have claimed is necessary because he is at risk of attack.
He stated to the investigation that he had only fired at people who were possessing firearms.
The statement was rejected in the concluding document.
Material from the examination would not be used straightforwardly as proof in the court case.
In the dock, the veteran was shielded from sight with a protective barrier.
He spoke for the opening instance in court at a hearing in late 2024, to reply "not guilty" when the allegations were presented.
Kin of the victims on the incident journeyed from the city to the courthouse daily of the proceedings.
A family member, whose brother Michael was killed, said they always knew that attending the proceedings would be difficult.
"I visualize the events in my mind's eye," the relative said, as we visited the main locations discussed in the proceedings – from Rossville Street, where Michael was shot dead, to the adjoining the area, where the individual and the second person were killed.
"It returns me to where I was that day.
"I assisted with Michael and place him in the vehicle.
"I experienced again every moment during the testimony.
"Despite having to go through the process – it's still worthwhile for me."
