How this Prosecution of an Army Veteran Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Case Dismissal

Sunday 30 January 1972 stands as one of the most fatal – and significant – dates during three decades of conflict in the region.

Throughout the area where events unfolded – the images of the tragic events are painted on the buildings and etched in people's minds.

A protest demonstration was conducted on a cold but bright period in Londonderry.

The march was opposing the policy of detention without trial – holding suspects without trial – which had been established following an extended period of conflict.

Troops from the elite army unit fatally wounded 13 people in the Bogside area – which was, and remains, a predominantly nationalist population.

A particular photograph became notably prominent.

Photographs showed a religious figure, Father Daly, waving a bloodied white handkerchief in his effort to defend a crowd carrying a teenager, Jackie Duddy, who had been killed.

Journalists recorded extensive video on the day.

The archive includes the priest informing a reporter that troops "gave the impression they would shoot indiscriminately" and he was "completely sure" that there was no reason for the shooting.

This account of events wasn't accepted by the original examination.

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

In the negotiation period, the ruling party set up a new investigation, in response to advocacy by surviving kin, who said the first investigation had been a whitewash.

In 2010, the conclusion by Lord Saville said that generally, the military personnel had initiated shooting and that not one of the victims had been armed.

At that time Prime Minister, the leader, apologised in the Parliament – stating deaths were "unjustified and unacceptable."

Authorities commenced look into the matter.

One former paratrooper, referred to as Soldier F, was charged for murder.

Accusations were made over the deaths of James Wray, in his twenties, and twenty-six-year-old another victim.

Soldier F was also accused of trying to kill multiple individuals, additional persons, Joe Mahon, another person, and an unnamed civilian.

Remains a court ruling maintaining the defendant's privacy, which his lawyers have maintained is necessary because he is at danger.

He told the investigation that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at people who were armed.

The statement was disputed in the final report.

Evidence from the investigation would not be used directly as evidence in the legal proceedings.

In court, the defendant was shielded from sight with a privacy screen.

He spoke for the initial occasion in court at a hearing in that month, to respond "innocent" when the accusations were read.

Kin of those who were killed on that day travelled from Londonderry to the judicial building every day of the case.

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

"I visualize the events in my recollection," John said, as we visited the key areas referenced in the case – from the street, where his brother was fatally wounded, to the adjoining the courtyard, where the individual and another victim were died.

"It returns me to my position that day.

"I participated in moving the victim and place him in the vehicle.

"I relived the entire event during the testimony.

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