Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Former soldier’s murder bid trial may be on Skype
Health fears over Troubles case
THE trial of a former soldier over a fatal shooting during the Troubles may take place over Skype, a court has heard.
A lawyer for Dennis Hutchings applied for an adjournment over concerns he would not be able to attend in person for health reasons.
Belfast Crown Court was told the 79-year-old is receiving medical treatment and his doctor said it is not safe for him to travel.
Hutchings, from Cawsand in Cornwall, a former member of the Life Guards regiment, has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of John Pat Cunningham in Co Tyrone in 1974.
The 27-year-old with learning difficulties was shot in the back as he ran away from an Army patrol near Benburb. Hutchings, who is on dialysis twice a week for renal failure, is facing charges of attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.
Mr Justice O’hara told the court yesterday a video-link will allow Hutchings to participate fully in the trial and the court could sit two days a week if the accused is willing to participate in the trial by Skype.
However, defence lawyer Ian Turkington said there could be a visibility challenge.
He added his client wants to be present in court for his trial, adding there is no suggestion the pensioner is using his illness as a “tool to delay” the proceedings.
Mr Turkington told the court: “If the court insists [Skype] is the way forward...
BELFAST COURT
but it is not his expressed wish.” The trial was also delayed last week over concerns for Hutchings’ health and the threat of coronavirus. The judge adjourned the case to March 23.
Meanwhile, the case of two former paratroopers accused of shooting an Official IRA man in South Belfast in 1972 has been put back.
Soldiers A and C have been charged with murdering Joe Mccann, who died close to his home in the Markets area.
The case has been adjourned until April 3 for arraignment.