Army veteran’s Troubles trial contributed to his death, lawyer says

Dennis Hutchings was three days into hearing in Belfast for 1974 killing when he died from Covid on Monday

The lawyer of a terminally ill 80-year-old army veteran who died of Covid-19 three days into a trial over a fatal shooting during the Troubles in Northern Ireland has said the proceedings contributed to his death.

Philip Barden, who acted for Dennis Hutchings, said he would be alive today" had he not been compelled to go to Northern Ireland to stand trial over the killing of a 27-year-old man with learning difficulties in 1974.