How this Prosecution of a Former Soldier Regarding the 1972 Londonderry Incident Ended in Case Dismissal
January 30th, 1972 stands as one of the most fatal – and significant – dates throughout thirty years of unrest in this area.
Within the community where events unfolded – the images of that fateful day are painted on the structures and seared in people's minds.
A protest demonstration was held on a wintry, sunny afternoon in Londonderry.
The protest was a protest against the practice of imprisonment without charges – imprisoning people without due process – which had been implemented after an extended period of conflict.
Military personnel from the elite army unit killed multiple civilians in the neighborhood – which was, and still is, a predominantly Irish nationalist population.
A specific visual became notably iconic.
Photographs showed a religious figure, Fr Edward Daly, using a bloodied white handkerchief in his effort to shield a crowd transporting a teenager, the fatally wounded individual, who had been fatally wounded.
Journalists recorded much footage on the day.
Historical records contains the priest explaining to a reporter that soldiers "appeared to fire in all directions" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no justification for the discharge of weapons.
That version of the incident was rejected by the initial investigation.
The first investigation concluded the military had been fired upon initially.
Throughout the negotiation period, the administration established a new investigation, after campaigning by family members, who said the initial inquiry had been a whitewash.
During 2010, the conclusion by the investigation said that on balance, the soldiers had initiated shooting and that none of the victims had posed any threat.
The then Prime Minister, the Prime Minister, apologised in the Parliament – saying deaths were "without justification and unjustifiable."
Authorities started to examine the events.
A military veteran, known as Soldier F, was brought to trial for killing.
Indictments were filed concerning the deaths of the first individual, twenty-two, and 26-year-old the second individual.
The defendant was further implicated of attempting to murder several people, Joseph Friel, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unknown person.
Remains a judicial decision preserving the defendant's identity protection, which his attorneys have argued is required because he is at danger.
He told the investigation that he had exclusively discharged his weapon at persons who were carrying weapons.
That claim was dismissed in the final report.
Information from the inquiry could not be used immediately as testimony in the legal proceedings.
In the dock, the accused was shielded from sight using a protective barrier.
He spoke for the initial occasion in the hearing at a session in that month, to respond "innocent" when the allegations were presented.
Kin of those who were killed on the incident travelled from the city to Belfast Crown Court every day of the proceedings.
John Kelly, whose brother Michael was died, said they always knew that hearing the proceedings would be difficult.
"I visualize the events in my memory," the relative said, as we walked around the main locations referenced in the case – from Rossville Street, where Michael was fatally wounded, to the adjacent the courtyard, where one victim and another victim were died.
"It even takes me back to my location that day.
"I assisted with my brother and lay him in the medical transport.
"I relived every moment during the evidence.
"Despite enduring all that – it's still worthwhile for me."