The trial of former British soldier Dennis Hutchings, who is facing prosecution over a shooting during the Troubles, has been postponed over the risk of coronavirus to the veteran's ongoing health conditions and after his flight with collapsed airline Flybe was cancelled.

The 78-year-old was due to stand trial in Belfast next week, starting on Monday.

He is charged in relation to the fatal shooting of a man with learning difficulties in Co Armagh.

John Pat Cunningham was killed in disputed circumstances in June 1974.

The 27-year-old was shot in the back as he ran away from a British army patrol which was commanded by Mr Hutchings.

In Belfast today the crown court heard that Mr Hutchings wish was to attend court.

However, it also heard that his doctor recommended that he does not travel and said he would have great concern over how the coronavirus would affect him if he contracted it.

Mr Hutchings started a course of antibiotics 3 March for a chest infection and started a second course yesterday.

He is also being treated for an ongoing renal condition.

Defence counsel Ian Torkington asked the court to adjourn the case for a short time as Mr Hutchings was not advised to travel.

He said that in relation to the ongoing coronavirus situation he was in no place to assist the court in deciding how long to adjourn it.

Crown Prosecutor Charles McCreanor QC said he considered Mr Hutchings' medical report yesterday.

He said there are proper concerns identified in relation to travel given the background of Mr Hutchings' medical history and concerns over how the coronavirus would affect him.

The court also heard that it is in the public arena that Mr Hutchings wanted to conduct the trial by video link.

The Judge, however, said there was a range of factors to consider including whether the trial would be able to continue given the health of the defendant.

Mr Justice Colton said the court has been keen to have the trial conducted but it is aware of Mr Hutchings medical condition.

He said that at the age of 78, at the end of renal failure and with a risk of coronavirus much higher to him than the general public, that he could not insist that Mr Hutchings attend the trial.

He also said he thinks the defendant should be in court to attend the trial rather than by video link.

"I know this will be a disappointment to all concerned but it's not right to start this trial on Monday," Mr Justice Colton said.

He said it would be "wrong due to the risk to his life".

Prosecutor Mr McCreanor said "there is the looming shadow of coronoavirus".

The Judge said he hopes Mr Hutchings recovers and that Covid-19 is contained.

He added that if it is going to be a long-term issue then they would look at conducting the trial in a different way.

The case will be mentioned again at Belfast Crown Court next Friday.