A 73-year-old former soldier has been charged over the death of a man with learning difficulties in Northern Ireland more than 40 years ago. John Pat Cunningham, 27, was shot dead by the Army in a field in Benburb, Co Armagh, in June 1974. Dennis Hutchings, who has been charged with attempted murder, appeared at Omagh Magistrates Court in Co Tyrone today and was released on bail. John Pat Cunningham (pictured left, and right, a photograph held by his nephew Charlie Agnew) was shot by the British Army in a field in 1974. A 73-year-old former soldier has been charged with attempted murder . White-haired Hutchings, of Cawsand, Torpoint in Cornwall, stood solemnly in the dock flanked by a police officer with his arms straight down by his side. The bespectacled man appeared in court wearing navy jeans, trainers, a grey and white-flecked woollen jumper with a navy body-warmer-type jacket. Hutchings was released on bail after speaking only to confirm his identity, date of birth and replied 'I do' when asked if he understood the charge against him. A detective from the PSNI's serious crime branch told the court he believed he could connect him to the charge. Defence solicitor Stephen Clarke requested that reporting restrictions preventing publication of the defendant's name be imposed by the court under human-rights legislation. The 'nature and circumstances' of the offence could raise 'emotive issues', the solicitor claimed. But rejecting the application, District Judge Nigel Broderick said: 'This is an offence which allegedly occurred some time ago.' Releasing Hutchings on bail of £500, the judge also said the principle of open justice was well established in Northern Ireland. 'I am told that Article Two may be engaged but I am not satisfied that there are any justifiable concerns and I must deal with the case as presented,' the judge said. 'I am not minded to make reporting restrictions.' Mr Cunningham, who had the mental age of a child, was running away from an Army patrol when he was shot . The court was told there were no objections to bail subject to four conditions. Hutchings was ordered to surrender his passport and not to contact with any other witnesses. He was arrested in England on Tuesday and was taken to Northern Ireland for questioning by detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland investigating legacy Troubles-related deaths. The case was recently reopened by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and a murder investigation started following a re-examination of the available evidence. Mr Cunningham, who had the mental age of a child between six and 10, had a fear of men in uniform and was running away from an Army patrol when he was killed. The Government apologised for his death in 2013. But earlier this week, Mr Cunningham's family said the investigation did not have their support. The Government apologised for his death in 2013 and the police investigation was re-opened earlier this year . In a statement issued on their behalf by victims campaign organisation the Pat Finucane Centre, a spokesman said: 'Whilst family members have cautiously welcomed the arrest, they have asked the PFC to state categorically that they will only have confidence in an investigative process that is completely independent of the PSNI. 'Cunningham family members said in October 2013 that they wish to see all investigations into British Army killings, including that of John Pat, being investigated by an independent body.' The investigation into the shooting was reopened in March this year. Speaking last month, DI Neil McGuinness of the PSNI said: 'I appreciate this happened more than 40 years ago but I believe there are people in the community today who remember this tragic incident, who knew John Pat and who may have information which would be of assistance to the investigation. 'Our objective is to get to the truth of what happened that Saturday morning so that justice can be served.' Hutchings was excused from appearing at the next court hearing in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, on June 3. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
John Pat Cunningham, 27, was shot dead by the Army in a field in 1974 . British government later apologised and investigation re-opened this year . Dennis Hutchings appeared in court today and was released on bail . He was arrested in England and taken to Northern Ireland for questioning .