Hounded NI veteran in human rights fight
AN ARMY veteran facing trial over a shooting in Northern Ireland 46 years ago is seeking to take his case to the European Court of Human Rights.
Lawyers for Dennis Hutchings say his prosecution is “discriminatory and vexatious” and will urge the court to halt the prosecution.
They accused ministers of betraying former soldiers who served during the Troubles and claim politicians are attempting to “whitewash” the IRA’s role out of the conflict.
Today the Overseas Operations Bill is set to become law, protecting veterans who saw action on foreign soil from vexatious prosecution.
But it does not extend to soldiers who fought the IRA in Ulster – which Mr Hutchings’ lawyers say adds another “discriminatory” layer.
They have written to the Government seeking its consent to take his case to the court in Strasbourg.
The move was revealed as two ex-soldiers, known as A and C, are due to go on trial in Belfast today for the alleged murder of IRA terrorist Joe McCann.
Dozens of similar prosecutions are expected, despite the Government vowing for years to protect Ulster veterans, said Mr Hutchings’ lawyers, McCue & Partners.
They added: “Kowtowing to those who would seek to whitewash the IRA’s role in the history of the Troubles, it has failed to do so.”
Former soldiers are up to 54 times more likely to face charges than Republican paramilitaries.
Last week Johnny Mercer resigned as Minister for Veterans on the issue. He will be in Belfast today to support former paratroopers A and C.
Mr Hutchings, 78, said yesterday: “The Government has let us down. It always has. Promise after promise has been broken. We just can’t wait any longer while the human rights of those who fought to protect this country’s security are trampled over. It’s time to let the courts decide.”
Mr Hutchings, who is seriously ill, is facing charges relating to the death of John Cunningham in 1974 – despite being cleared three times.
Mr Cunningham, 27, who had a mental age of between six and 10, was shot as he ran away from a patrol. Mr Hutchings, who was in command, is accused of attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm. He is due to go on trial in October.
THESE days you can’t write a column without menacing music in the background and a deep gravelly voice intoning the word “lockdown”. I’ve done my time self-isolating, as we all have, and I don’t think a national lockdown can or should happen again.
But a word to the wise, Boris: the other night I was out in Soho in the centre of London and there was a most amazing atmosphere. I was sitting with my friend, Nanny, outside a little Italian restaurant and there was no social distancing, not much mask wearing and everybody was happy and smiley.
There were a lot of police hanging around and people with the words “Covid Marshal” written on their highvis jackets. But even if they had been ordered to clear the crowds, there were simply too many people.
I’ve had two jabs and most of my friends have had at least one. And we can’t shut down the economy again but here is my suggestion for what it’s worth. The main reason for closing everything down was to protect the NHS. But to protect it from what? In my view, bad management and the inability to tell the politicians what they need to do has contributed to the greatest risk. Similarly, in trying to improve it, politicians have messed up the NHS.
It’s free at the point of use, and that must never change, but in the 21st century a lot of sensible adjustments do need to be made. Because, if, God forbid, we have another crisis like this, it is clear the system might not be able to cope.
While those Nightingale hospitals can be rebuilt easily enough, we don’t have enough staff to run them.The NHS must be better staffed for the next tragedy.
There is no doubt it is the greatest health system in the world, but that doesn’t mean it is perfect.
Politicians have failed to make tough decisions because they’re frightened of a public backlash.
They need to grab the NHS by the neck, shake it vigorously, change the system and then put in the money it needs. I thank you.
I’VE just been chatting to my friend Timmy from Timmy’s World on TV. He’s known as the celebrity hairdresser, in case any of you are still in need after lockdown.
Anyway Timmy is also a singer and is rehearsing with a guy who was in Phantom Of The Opera. He has been told if you want to get the best out of your voice you shouldn’t speak until midday. So I’ve been canvassing opinion from friends to see if they agree, because I’m thinking of giving it a try.
So if anybody needs to speak to me before midday, forget it. My vocal cords are resting.
Some people have even said maybe I should rest my voice from 7pm. I’ve pointed out that’s when I’m on the radio, but maybe they knew that. Best of luck, all those that are joining the stay-silent-till-midday gang.