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Sunday 30 January 1972 remains one of the most fatal – and consequential – days during multiple decades of unrest in Northern Ireland.

Within the community where events unfolded – the memories of that fateful day are painted on the buildings and embedded in public consciousness.

A protest demonstration was held on a cold but bright afternoon in Derry.

The protest was challenging the system of detention without trial – detaining individuals without legal proceedings – which had been implemented after an extended period of unrest.

Military personnel from the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 people in the district – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly nationalist community.

A particular photograph became notably prominent.

Photographs showed a clergyman, Father Daly, displaying a blood-stained white handkerchief as he tried to shield a crowd moving a young man, Jackie Duddy, who had been fatally wounded.

Journalists recorded extensive video on the day.

Documented accounts features the priest explaining to a reporter that soldiers "appeared to shoot indiscriminately" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no provocation for the gunfire.

This account of the incident was disputed by the original examination.

The initial inquiry concluded the military had been attacked first.

Throughout the peace process, Tony Blair's government established another inquiry, in response to advocacy by family members, who said Widgery had been a inadequate investigation.

During 2010, the conclusion by the inquiry said that overall, the military personnel had initiated shooting and that not one of the victims had posed any threat.

The then government leader, the Prime Minister, issued an apology in the House of Commons – saying fatalities were "without justification and unjustifiable."

The police started to look into the incident.

A military veteran, referred to as Soldier F, was brought to trial for killing.

Indictments were filed concerning the fatalities of James Wray, 22, and 26-year-old another victim.

Soldier F was further implicated of attempting to murder multiple individuals, other civilians, Joe Mahon, an additional individual, and an unknown person.

There is a judicial decision maintaining the soldier's anonymity, which his legal team have maintained is necessary because he is at threat.

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

That claim was disputed in the official findings.

Material from the investigation would not be used directly as testimony in the criminal process.

During the trial, the veteran was shielded from sight using a blue curtain.

He addressed the court for the initial occasion in court at a proceeding in December 2024, to answer "not guilty" when the charges were read.

Family members of the victims on the incident journeyed from Derry to the courthouse each day of the trial.

One relative, whose relative was died, said they were aware that hearing the case would be difficult.

"I visualize all details in my recollection," he said, as we visited the main locations discussed in the case – from the location, where Michael was shot dead, to the adjacent the area, where one victim and the second person were died.

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

"I participated in moving my brother and put him in the medical transport.

"I relived every moment during the proceedings.

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