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January 30th, 1972 stands as arguably the most fatal – and significant – occasions throughout three decades of unrest in this area.

In the streets where events unfolded – the images of that fateful day are visible on the walls and embedded in collective memory.

A public gathering was organized on a wintry, sunny period in the city.

The march was opposing the system of detention without trial – holding suspects without legal proceedings – which had been implemented following multiple years of violence.

Troops from the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 people in the Bogside area – which was, and remains, a overwhelmingly Irish nationalist area.

One image became notably prominent.

Images showed a Catholic priest, the priest, displaying a blood-stained cloth as he tried to shield a group carrying a young man, Jackie Duddy, who had been fatally wounded.

Media personnel recorded considerable film on the day.

Documented accounts features Fr Daly explaining to a reporter that soldiers "just seemed to fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no reason for the discharge of weapons.

This account of events was disputed by the original examination.

The initial inquiry concluded the military had been fired upon initially.

In the negotiation period, Tony Blair's government set up another inquiry, after campaigning by bereaved relatives, who said Widgery had been a inadequate investigation.

In 2010, the report by Lord Saville said that on balance, the paratroopers had initiated shooting and that zero among the individuals had posed any threat.

The then government leader, David Cameron, issued an apology in the House of Commons – declaring killings were "improper and unacceptable."

Authorities commenced look into the events.

An ex-soldier, identified as the defendant, was brought to trial for homicide.

He was charged regarding the deaths of the first individual, twenty-two, and 26-year-old another victim.

The accused was additionally charged of seeking to harm several people, other civilians, more people, Michael Quinn, and an unknown person.

There is a legal order preserving the soldier's anonymity, which his legal team have argued is essential because he is at risk of attack.

He stated to the investigation that he had only fired at people who were armed.

The statement was rejected in the official findings.

Evidence from the inquiry could not be used immediately as evidence in the criminal process.

In court, the veteran was shielded from sight using a protective barrier.

He made statements for the first time in court at a hearing in late 2024, to answer "innocent" when the accusations were read.

Kin of the deceased on Bloody Sunday made the trip from the city to Belfast Crown Court each day of the trial.

One relative, whose brother Michael was died, said they were aware that listening to the case would be difficult.

"I can see the events in my recollection," he said, as we examined the primary sites referenced in the trial – from Rossville Street, where the victim was fatally wounded, to the adjacent the courtyard, where one victim and William McKinney were fatally wounded.

"It returns me to where I was that day.

"I assisted with the victim and put him in the ambulance.

"I experienced again every moment during the testimony.

"Notwithstanding enduring everything – it's still worthwhile for me."