The death of the former solider Dennis Hutchings from Covid-19 during his trial for attempted murder is yet another example of the complex legacy problem which besets Northern Ireland. Hutchings, who was 80 years old, was accused of killing John Pat Cunningham, 27, in County Tyrone in 1974.
Hutchings’ supporters – which includes a broad swathe of unionist politicians, the Tory MP Johnny Mercer and the wider veteran community – regarded his prosecution as a disgrace. The 80-year-old, kept alive by dialysis, was dragged to Belfast from Cornwall for the non-jury trial.
After his death, Hutchings’ lawyer argued he would still be alive had he not been compelled to go to court, and many are questioning the wisdom of the Northern Irish Public Prosecution Service in pursuing the case.
The fallout from the case will be grist to the mill of those who wish to test the limits of selective justice in Northern Ireland to destruction
Equally, the Cunningham family have been denied the chance to finally receive justice.
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