Dennis Hutchings trial postponed due to his ill health

By PA reporter

The trial of Army veteran Dennis Hutchings over a fatal shooting during the Troubles has been postponed due to his ill health, lawyers for the victim's family have said.

Hutchings, 78, was due to be at Belfast Crown Court on Monday morning for the opening day of his trial.

The adjournment comes as he receives medical treatment for a chest infection and amid his concerns about being susceptible to contracting coronavirus.

Hutchings, a former member of the Life Guards regiment from Cawsand in Cornwall, has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of a man with learning difficulties during the conflict.

He is facing charges of attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.

John Pat Cunningham, 27, was shot in the back as he ran away from an Army patrol near Benburb, County Tyrone in 1974.

Hutchings, who is currently on dialysis for renal failure, denies charges of attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.

Solicitor Niall Murphy, who represents the Cunningham family, said proceedings had been adjourned after an application was made by Hutchings' lawyers.

"The application was premised on a medical report from his consultant," said Mr Murphy.

Hutchings told PA Media his consultant had advised him he was unfit to travel.

"I am on antibiotics for a chest infection, I am on dialysis, there is coronavirus floating about - at my age and with problems if I caught it I'd probably die from it," he said.