How the Prosecution of a Former Soldier Regarding Bloody Sunday Ended in Not Guilty Verdict

January 30th, 1972 remains among the most fatal – and significant – occasions during three decades of violence in the region.

Throughout the area where it happened – the legacy of Bloody Sunday are painted on the structures and embedded in people's minds.

A civil rights march was held on a wintry, sunny day in Derry.

The protest was challenging the policy of internment – imprisoning people without trial – which had been put in place following an extended period of unrest.

Troops from the Parachute Regiment shot dead thirteen individuals in the district – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly nationalist area.

A particular photograph became especially prominent.

Images showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, using a stained with blood fabric while attempting to shield a crowd moving a youth, Jackie Duddy, who had been mortally injured.

News camera operators documented extensive video on the day.

Historical records features Father Daly telling a journalist that military personnel "just seemed to fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no reason for the discharge of weapons.

That version of events wasn't accepted by the first inquiry.

The Widgery Tribunal concluded the soldiers had been attacked first.

In the peace process, the administration established another inquiry, in response to advocacy by family members, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

In 2010, the findings by the investigation said that generally, the soldiers had initiated shooting and that none of the casualties had presented danger.

The then government leader, David Cameron, expressed regret in the government chamber – stating fatalities were "unjustified and unjustifiable."

Authorities began to examine the incident.

A military veteran, referred to as the accused, was prosecuted for murder.

Accusations were made over the killings of the first individual, in his twenties, and twenty-six-year-old William McKinney.

The accused was also accused of attempting to murder Patrick O'Donnell, other civilians, more people, an additional individual, and an unidentified individual.

Remains a judicial decision preserving the defendant's identity protection, which his lawyers have maintained is required because he is at risk of attack.

He testified the Saville Inquiry that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at persons who were possessing firearms.

That claim was rejected in the official findings.

Evidence from the inquiry was unable to be used immediately as proof in the court case.

During the trial, the defendant was hidden from public behind a blue curtain.

He spoke for the opening instance in the proceedings at a session in December 2024, to reply "innocent" when the accusations were read.

Family members of the victims on that day made the trip from the city to the judicial building daily of the proceedings.

One relative, whose relative was fatally wounded, said they understood that attending the case would be emotional.

"I visualize all details in my mind's eye," the relative said, as we walked around the primary sites referenced in the case – from the street, where the victim was shot dead, to the adjoining the area, where one victim and William McKinney were died.

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

"I helped to carry my brother and place him in the vehicle.

"I experienced again each detail during the evidence.

"But even with enduring all that – it's still meaningful for me."