The Way the Prosecution of an Army Veteran Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Not Guilty Verdict

January 30th, 1972 is remembered as one of the most fatal – and significant – occasions in thirty years of violence in this area.

Within the community of the incident – the images of that fateful day are visible on the buildings and seared in collective memory.

A public gathering was organized on a wintry, sunny afternoon in Derry.

The demonstration was opposing the system of imprisonment without charges – imprisoning people without due process – which had been put in place after an extended period of conflict.

Troops from the specialized division shot dead multiple civilians in the district – which was, and still is, a predominantly nationalist population.

One image became notably prominent.

Pictures showed a clergyman, the priest, using a blood-stained white handkerchief in his effort to shield a assembly transporting a young man, the injured teenager, who had been killed.

Journalists captured much footage on the day.

The archive features the priest explaining to a journalist that military personnel "gave the impression they would shoot indiscriminately" and he was "totally convinced" that there was no provocation for the shooting.

The narrative of the incident was disputed by the original examination.

The first investigation concluded the Army had been attacked first.

Throughout the resolution efforts, the administration commissioned a fresh examination, following pressure by surviving kin, who said the initial inquiry had been a inadequate investigation.

During 2010, the findings by the investigation said that overall, the soldiers had initiated shooting and that not one of the casualties had posed any threat.

At that time government leader, the Prime Minister, apologised in the government chamber – stating killings were "without justification and inexcusable."

Authorities started to look into the events.

A military veteran, identified as the accused, was brought to trial for killing.

He was charged over the fatalities of James Wray, in his twenties, and 26-year-old another victim.

The accused was also accused of seeking to harm Patrick O'Donnell, other civilians, further individuals, an additional individual, and an unnamed civilian.

Remains a legal order maintaining the defendant's privacy, which his lawyers have argued is required because he is at threat.

He stated to the investigation that he had solely shot at persons who were carrying weapons.

The statement was dismissed in the concluding document.

Evidence from the investigation could not be used straightforwardly as testimony in the court case.

During the trial, the accused was screened from view using a protective barrier.

He made statements for the opening instance in the proceedings at a session in late 2024, to reply "innocent" when the charges were read.

Kin of the victims on Bloody Sunday made the trip from Derry to the judicial building daily of the proceedings.

John Kelly, whose relative was killed, said they understood that attending the trial would be emotional.

"I can see the events in my mind's eye," he said, as we walked around the main locations referenced in the proceedings – from the location, where Michael was shot dead, to the adjoining the area, where one victim and the second person were killed.

"It even takes me back to where I was that day.

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

"I relived every moment during the proceedings.

"Notwithstanding experiencing the process – it's still worthwhile for me."