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Protest over former soldier killing charge

Loyalists gathered outside Belfast City Hall last night in support of a former British soldier accused of the attempted murder of Co Tyrone man John Pat Cunningham in 1974
Loyalists gathered outside Belfast City Hall last night in support of a former British soldier accused of the attempted murder of Co Tyrone man John Pat Cunningham in 1974 Loyalists gathered outside Belfast City Hall last night in support of a former British soldier accused of the attempted murder of Co Tyrone man John Pat Cunningham in 1974

LOYALISTS staged a protest in Belfast city centre last night in support of a former British soldier accused of attempting to murder a Catholic man more than 40 years ago.

Dennis Hutchings, from New Road, Cawsand, Torpoint in Cornwall, appeared in court last month and is accused of trying to kill 27-year-old John Pat Cunningham in Benburb in Co Tyrone in June 1974.

The 27-year-old, who had learning difficulties, died after he was shot in the back while running away from a British army patrol.

Up to 20 protesters, some holding posters, attended the demonstration organised by the Loyal People’s Protest group at Belfast City Hall last night.

Mr Cunningham’s family have said they have no confidence in the re-opened PSNI investigation into his death, claiming it is not sufficiently independent.

The former soldier was released on bail.