After the death of Dennis Hutchings, one veteran, former Grenadier Guardsman David Holden, is still facing trial. But Northern Ireland’s quest to settle “legacy” cases means about 230 more veterans could face reinvestigation over shootings that happened during the Troubles. Mr Holden is accused of gross negligence manslaughter over the shooting of Aidan McAnespie at a military checkpoint in Co Tyrone in February 1988.

       Mr McAnespie, 23, was going to a football match when he was shot by Mr Holden, then 18.

       At the time, the Army said the gun had gone off accidentally.

       Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis has proposed to introduce a time limit for prosecutions of veterans and terrorists.

       If this does happen, the 1998 Good Friday Agreement is likely to be the cut-off point.

       But the move is opposed by most sides in Northern Ireland and no legislation has been formally tabled.

       Ninety percent of the killings in the Troubles were carried out by terrorists.

       However, the Good Friday Agreement meant about 500 convicted terrorists were released from jail early.

       Another 300 suspects got letters assuring them they would not face prosecution.

       Critics argue that Republicans are using the law to rewrite history and portray the IRA as freedom fighters and the Army as oppressors.