The Way this Prosecution of a Former Soldier Over the 1972 Londonderry Incident Concluded in Case Dismissal
Sunday 30 January 1972 is remembered as arguably the most deadly – and significant – dates during multiple decades of conflict in the region.
Within the community where it happened – the legacy of the tragic events are displayed on the walls and embedded in collective memory.
A civil rights march was held on a wintry, sunny day in Londonderry.
The demonstration was opposing the practice of internment – detaining individuals without trial – which had been put in place following an extended period of unrest.
Soldiers from the specialized division shot dead thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a overwhelmingly Irish nationalist population.
One image became particularly iconic.
Pictures showed a clergyman, Father Daly, displaying a bloodied cloth while attempting to defend a group transporting a teenager, the injured teenager, who had been fatally wounded.
News camera operators captured considerable film on the day.
Historical records contains Fr Daly informing a reporter that military personnel "appeared to fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no provocation for the discharge of weapons.
That version of the incident was rejected by the initial investigation.
The initial inquiry found the Army had been shot at first.
In the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government established a fresh examination, following pressure by family members, who said Widgery had been a inadequate investigation.
During 2010, the conclusion by the investigation said that generally, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that zero among the victims had posed any threat.
The then Prime Minister, the leader, expressed regret in the Parliament – stating killings were "without justification and unacceptable."
Authorities started to examine the matter.
One former paratrooper, referred to as Soldier F, was charged for homicide.
Indictments were filed concerning the fatalities of one victim, 22, and in his mid-twenties the second individual.
The accused was additionally charged of attempting to murder multiple individuals, Joseph Friel, further individuals, an additional individual, and an unnamed civilian.
There is a legal order maintaining the veteran's privacy, which his lawyers have maintained is essential because he is at risk of attack.
He told the Saville Inquiry that he had only fired at people who were armed.
The statement was disputed in the official findings.
Material from the examination was unable to be used immediately as proof in the court case.
During the trial, the defendant was shielded from sight using a privacy screen.
He spoke for the initial occasion in the proceedings at a hearing in December 2024, to respond "not responsible" when the accusations were presented.
Kin of those who were killed on the incident travelled from the city to the judicial building each day of the case.
A family member, whose sibling was killed, said they were aware that hearing the case would be difficult.
"I visualize the events in my memory," John said, as we visited the main locations mentioned in the trial – from the street, where the victim was killed, to the nearby the courtyard, where one victim and another victim were fatally wounded.
"It reminds me to my position that day.
"I participated in moving Michael and lay him in the medical transport.
"I relived the entire event during the testimony.
"But even with having to go through everything – it's still valuable for me."