How the Trial of an Army Veteran Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Case Dismissal

January 30th, 1972 stands as arguably the most fatal – and momentous – occasions in three decades of conflict in this area.

In the streets where it happened – the memories of the tragic events are displayed on the buildings and embedded in public consciousness.

A public gathering was held on a wintry, sunny day in Londonderry.

The demonstration was challenging the practice of internment – detaining individuals without trial – which had been put in place following an extended period of violence.

Military personnel from the Parachute Regiment fatally wounded multiple civilians in the district – which was, and continues to be, a overwhelmingly republican area.

A specific visual became especially memorable.

Images showed a religious figure, Fr Edward Daly, using a blood-stained fabric in his effort to shield a assembly moving a youth, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.

Media personnel captured much footage on the day.

Historical records features the priest telling a reporter that troops "appeared to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no provocation for the discharge of weapons.

This account of what happened wasn't accepted by the initial investigation.

The Widgery Tribunal determined the soldiers had been fired upon initially.

In the peace process, the administration commissioned a fresh examination, in response to advocacy by family members, who said Widgery had been a cover-up.

During 2010, the conclusion by the investigation said that overall, the soldiers had fired first and that none of the casualties had presented danger.

The then government leader, the Prime Minister, apologised in the Parliament – saying fatalities were "without justification and unacceptable."

The police began to examine the incident.

An ex-soldier, identified as Soldier F, was brought to trial for homicide.

Indictments were filed concerning the deaths of James Wray, in his twenties, and in his mid-twenties another victim.

The defendant was also accused of seeking to harm multiple individuals, Joseph Friel, further individuals, another person, and an unidentified individual.

Exists a legal order maintaining the soldier's anonymity, which his legal team have maintained is necessary because he is at danger.

He stated to the investigation that he had only fired at individuals who were carrying weapons.

That claim was dismissed in the concluding document.

Evidence from the investigation would not be used directly as testimony in the criminal process.

In the dock, the accused was hidden from public behind a privacy screen.

He addressed the court for the opening instance in the hearing at a proceeding in December 2024, to answer "not guilty" when the charges were read.

Relatives of the victims on Bloody Sunday made the trip from Derry to the judicial building every day of the proceedings.

A family member, whose relative was fatally wounded, said they understood that listening to the trial would be emotional.

"I can see all details in my mind's eye," the relative said, as we examined the main locations referenced in the trial – from the location, where Michael was killed, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where James Wray and William McKinney were killed.

"It reminds me to my position that day.

"I helped to carry my brother and put him in the medical transport.

"I relived every moment during the proceedings.

"Despite having to go through the process – it's still meaningful for me."