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The trial of a former soldier over the killing of a man in 1974 will go ahead in March, Belfast Crown Court has heard.<\/p>\nThe trial of a former soldier over the killing of a man in 1974 will go ahead in March, Belfast Crown Court has heard.<\/p>\n
Dennis Hutchings, 78, has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of a man with learning difficulties during the conflict.<\/p>\n
Hutchings, a former member of the Life Guards regiment, from Cawsand in Cornwall, denies attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent.<\/p>\n
John Pat Cunningham, 27, died after being shot in the back as he ran away from an Army patrol near Benburb, Co Tyrone, in 1974.<\/p>\n
During a hearing at Belfast Crown Court on Friday, Mr Justice Adrian Colton said the trial is fixed to proceed on March 9.<\/p>\n
Hutchings previously failed in a Supreme Court challenge against the decision to hear his case without a jury.<\/p>\n
In November Hutchings\u2019 barrister said arrangements were being made with Belfast City Hospital to enable his client to undergo dialysis in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
He said then that Hutchings was having the treatment twice a week, but may require it three times a week by March.<\/p>\n
On Friday, he confirmed that those arrangements are \u201cin hand\u201d.<\/p>\n
Responding to a concern raised by the prosecution about \u201cthe possibility of a drift\u201d, Mr Justice Colton said: \u201cThe date is fixed, there are a lot of reasons why it can\u2019t be moved.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added at the end of the brief hearing: \u201cThis obviously is not a case that can be moved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another review hearing is set to take place in January.<\/p>\n