Denied Open Justice

COVID-19 means Dennis is once again denied open justice. Today, due to COVID-19 restrictions and behind closed doors, the High Court will consider by video-link whether Dennis Hutchings may challenge the discriminatory treatment by the Northern Ireland criminal justice system of British Army veterans who served in Operation Banner during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

In the interests of open justice, Dennis has requested that the Court adjourn the hearing until he, the press and leaders from the veterans’ community can attend in person. Despite the Defendant having no objection, the Court has refused Dennis’ request.

Dennis’ legal team has been directed by the Court that only the judge, his clerk and the parties’ barristers may use the video-link. Dennis, the solicitors, members of the press and the public may only listen to the proceedings - but only after being ‘invited’ to attend as ‘guests’ by the court.

Dennis is being prosecuted for attempted murder (for which he pleads innocent) in relation to the tragic death of a civilian in 1974 despite being issued with a letter by British Army Legal Services at the time informing him that, following a police investigation, the Director of Public Prosecutions had “directed that there is to be no prosecution of any military personnel arising of [the death of John Patrick Cunningham]”.  No new evidence has come to light since then to support any case against Dennis. He is 79 years old and has end-stage renal failure.

Controversially, Dennis has been denied a jury trial. The court has also indicated that, due to COVID-19 and his underlying health issues, his criminal trial should go ahead without him present and attending only by way of video-link. At present, Dennis’ fate depends on a decision by a lone judge while possibly also sitting in his front-room at home alone waiting for his sentence to be passed.

The court hearing takes place at 2pm BST today.

Dennis has said: “To say that I'm disappointed in our legal system would be choosing my words carefully. I'm an ex soldier who along with many others served our Queen and country and in many instances gave their lives carrying out the orders of our politicians. We now have a legal system in Northern Ireland, supported by the Northern Ireland Office, hell-bent on prosecuting the members of the security services who served in Northern Ireland outside the the usual standards of British justice. Meanwhile, terrorists work in Government and walk the streets without fear of prosecution. ”

Suzanne Fernando MBE BCAh: "As the founding member of Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans Scotland we will continue to stand by and support Dennis until he is released of all charges. It is an absolute disgrace that we still find ourselves here fighting for his innocence because that's what Dennis is, innocent! He is a 79 year old veteran with renal failure. Has been previously cleared twice of these rediculous allegations, so isn't it about time the powers of be start investigating the Northern Ireland Judicial System and why is our own government sitting on there hands allowing this to happen? Come on, it's not rocket science, clearly somethings afoot when we all know terrorists continue to work in Government and walk the streets without fear of prosecution. Where is the justice in that?"

Please continue to donate and share the link to support Dennis: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/justice4veterans/