How the Legal Case of an Army Veteran Over Bloody Sunday Ended in Case Dismissal

Protesters in a confrontation with British soldiers on Bloody Sunday
Youths in a tense situation with army troops on Bloody Sunday

January 30th, 1972 is remembered as one of the most deadly – and significant – occasions throughout multiple decades of conflict in the region.

Throughout the area of the incident – the legacy of the tragic events are visible on the buildings and etched in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was held on a chilly yet clear afternoon in Derry.

The demonstration was a protest against the system of detention without trial – imprisoning people without due process – which had been established in response to multiple years of violence.

Father Daly displayed a bloodied fabric while attempting to protect a crowd transporting a young man, the injured teenager
Fr Edward Daly displayed a white cloth stained with blood as he tried to protect a group carrying a teenager, Jackie Duddy

Troops from the elite army unit shot dead thirteen individuals in the neighborhood – which was, and continues to be, a overwhelmingly nationalist population.

A particular photograph became notably memorable.

Photographs showed a religious figure, the priest, displaying a blood-stained fabric while attempting to shield a group carrying a teenager, the injured teenager, who had been fatally wounded.

Media personnel captured much footage on the day.

Historical records contains Fr Daly telling a journalist that troops "just seemed to fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no reason for the shooting.

Civilians in the district being marched towards detention by military personnel on Bloody Sunday
Civilians in the district being taken to custody by military personnel on Bloody Sunday

That version of what happened wasn't accepted by the original examination.

The first investigation found the military had been shot at first.

During the peace process, the administration established a new investigation, after campaigning by family members, who said the initial inquiry had been a inadequate investigation.

In 2010, the conclusion by Lord Saville said that overall, the paratroopers had fired first and that not one of the victims had been armed.

At that time Prime Minister, the leader, apologised in the government chamber – stating fatalities were "improper and inexcusable."

Relatives of the victims of the Bloody Sunday killings walk from the neighborhood of Derry to the municipal center carrying pictures of their family members
Families of the deceased of the 1972 incident fatalities march from the Bogside area of the city to the municipal center displaying images of their relatives

Law enforcement started to examine the events.

One former paratrooper, referred to as the defendant, was prosecuted for murder.

Indictments were filed regarding the deaths of James Wray, twenty-two, and twenty-six-year-old the second individual.

The defendant was also accused of seeking to harm multiple individuals, additional persons, more people, an additional individual, and an unknown person.

Exists a judicial decision maintaining the defendant's anonymity, which his legal team have claimed is required because he is at threat.

He testified the Saville Inquiry that he had solely shot at individuals who were possessing firearms.

The statement was dismissed in the concluding document.

Information from the examination was unable to be used immediately as evidence in the legal proceedings.

During the trial, the defendant was screened from view with a blue curtain.

He addressed the court for the first time in court at a proceeding in December 2024, to answer "not responsible" when the accusations were presented.

Relatives and supporters of those killed on the incident carry a banner and photographs of the deceased
Family members and advocates of those killed on that day carry a sign and photographs of the victims

Kin of those who were killed on the incident journeyed from Derry to the judicial building every day of the case.

A family member, whose brother Michael was fatally wounded, said they were aware that attending the proceedings would be painful.

"I visualize all details in my mind's eye," he said, as we visited the primary sites referenced in the case – from the street, where his brother was shot dead, to the adjoining the courtyard, where James Wray and the second person were killed.

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

"I helped to carry the victim and place him in the ambulance.

"I went through each detail during the testimony.

"Despite experiencing everything – it's still valuable for me."

One victim (left) and Another victim (right) were among those who were killed on Bloody Sunday
Desiree Alexander
Desiree Alexander

Interior designer and home decor enthusiast with a passion for creating cozy, stylish spaces.