The Way the Prosecution of an Army Veteran Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Case Dismissal
January 30th, 1972 remains arguably the deadliest – and significant – dates throughout thirty years of unrest in this area.
In the streets where events unfolded – the legacy of the tragic events are displayed on the buildings and embedded in people's minds.
A public gathering was conducted on a wintry, sunny afternoon in the city.
The march was a protest against the system of imprisonment without charges – imprisoning people without due process – which had been put in place after three years of unrest.
Soldiers from the specialized division shot dead thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and remains, a strongly nationalist area.
One image became notably prominent.
Images showed a religious figure, Fr Edward Daly, using a stained with blood white handkerchief in his effort to protect a crowd carrying a young man, the injured teenager, who had been fatally wounded.
Journalists documented considerable film on the day.
Documented accounts contains the priest telling a journalist that soldiers "appeared to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no reason for the discharge of weapons.
That version of events was disputed by the initial investigation.
The initial inquiry concluded the soldiers had been attacked first.
During the peace process, Tony Blair's government commissioned a new investigation, in response to advocacy by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a whitewash.
In 2010, the conclusion by the inquiry said that generally, the soldiers had discharged weapons initially and that not one of the casualties had been armed.
The contemporary government leader, the Prime Minister, apologised in the Parliament – declaring killings were "improper and unjustifiable."
Authorities began to examine the matter.
A military veteran, known as Soldier F, was prosecuted for homicide.
Indictments were filed over the fatalities of one victim, in his twenties, and 26-year-old the second individual.
Soldier F was further implicated of attempting to murder Patrick O'Donnell, Joseph Friel, further individuals, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.
Exists a court ruling preserving the veteran's identity protection, which his attorneys have maintained is necessary because he is at threat.
He stated to the investigation that he had only fired at individuals who were possessing firearms.
This assertion was dismissed in the concluding document.
Evidence from the examination was unable to be used directly as proof in the legal proceedings.
In court, the defendant was shielded from sight with a privacy screen.
He addressed the court for the opening instance in the hearing at a hearing in late 2024, to answer "not responsible" when the accusations were read.
Family members of those who were killed on that day made the trip from Derry to Belfast Crown Court every day of the trial.
A family member, whose brother Michael was died, said they were aware that listening to the trial would be emotional.
"I visualize all details in my recollection," the relative said, as we examined the key areas mentioned in the trial – from the location, where the victim was shot dead, to the adjoining Glenfada Park, where one victim and another victim were killed.
"It even takes me back to my location that day.
"I helped to carry the victim and place him in the vehicle.
"I relived the entire event during the evidence.
"But even with enduring the process – it's still worthwhile for me."