Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Doug Beattie MC MLA, said:

“I am deeply sorry to hear that Dennis Hutchings has passed away at the Mater Hospital in Belfast. I would like to convey my sincere condolences to Mr Hutchings` family and friends.

“The decision by the Public Prosecution Service to proceed with a trial given his ill-health demands a full and thorough independent review. The questions must be asked, did this trial hasten Mr Hutchings’ death and did it meet the evidential and public interest tests?

“Regrettably that will be too late for the Hutchings family and will be of little comfort to them at this time.”