Doug Beattie: PPS overturning of Hutchings charge is latest case of legacy imbalance
The news that the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has overturned Armagh Magistrates' Court decision in the case of Dennis Hutchings is yet another case of imbalance in our '˜Troubles'-related justice system.
The Armagh court found that there was insufficient evidence that could lead to a reasonable jury convicting Dennis Hutchings of murder but instead he would be tried for the lesser offence of grievous bodily harm. Now we now find that the PPS relentless pursuit of a former British soldier will continue.
I will be working with Danny Kinahan on this case to see what we can do to bring balance to our justice system.
We will challenge the PPS and its director Barra McGrory.
The Ulster Unionist Party does not believe anyone should be above the law but we believe that the law must be balanced, fair and proportionate.
There is clear evidence that this may not be the case as former terrorists walk our streets with comfort letters, early release, minimum sentence scheme and royal prerogatives of mercy.
Doug Beattie MC MLA, Upper Bann