The killing of John Pat Cunningham in 1974

Former British soldier Dennis Hutchings was buried on Thursday with full military honours and applause.

The 80-year-old died in Belfast after contracting Covid-19 while he was in the city to face trial for his involvement in the killing of John Pat Cunningham in 1974.

Mr Cunningham, who was 27, was a vulnerable adult with learning difficulties and a fear of soldiers.

Before his death Mr Hutchings had become a figurehead for the campaign backing the UK government’s controversial proposals to introduce a statute of limitations for Troubles-era crimes.

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But in that debate John Pat Cunningham's name has largely been forgotten, according to his nephew Charlie Agnew.

On today's podcast, Mr Agnew tells Conor Pope that his uncle was the only real victim in this decades-old tragedy.

And Northern Editor Freya McClements explains the story of John Pat Cunningham and Dennis Hutchings and how the handling of legacy crimes has become a toxic issue in Northern Ireland and in British politics.

You can listen to the podcast here:

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