‘An absolute political disaster’
AILING former soldier Dennis Hutchings, 77, earlier this week lost his battle to have charges against him thrown out. He now faces trial relating to a shooting in 1974.
Mr Hutchings, from Cawsand, Cornwall, branded the process “an absolute bloody political disaster”.
The great-grandfather denies charges of attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, relating to the killing of John Pat Cunningham, 27, in Co Tyrone.
He was shot in the back as he ran away from an Army patrol. His family contend he ran across a field because he feared men in uniform.
Mr Hutchings’ lawyers had tried to halt the prosecution, claiming unavailability of evidence, a delay in mounting the prosecution and an alleged breach of promise relating to an original decision by prosecutors in 1974 not to pursue charges.
But Mr Justice Colton rejected the application, saying: “I am satisfied that a fair trial is possible.”
Mr Hutchings, who suffers from kidney and heart problems, may be the first of potentially scores of old soldiers to be prosecuted over allegations stretching back to the 1970s.
Tory MP Johnny Mercer, a former Army officer, tweeted: “A national disgrace. 77 year old Dennis has been 1. Investigated already. 2. Cleared in 1975. Told would face no further action. 3. Other members of his patrol are dead. 4. He’s been given a year to live. Thank you for your service.”