Northern Ireland veteran kills himself after ‘witch hunt’ investigation into actions during Troubles

The Government is facing calls to end a ‘witch-hunt’ against veterans, following the suicide of a Northern Ireland soldier whose actions during the Troubles were being investigated. 

Named by friends as Eddie ‘Spud’ Murphy, the soldier took his own life on Thursday and was found by his wife. 

Six British Army veterans are currently facing prosecution in Northern Ireland although the Government has promised to protect them. 

Named by friends as Eddie ‘Spud’ Murphy, the soldier took his own life on Thursday and was found by his wife. Pictured: British soldiers and a armoured saracen vehicle patrol on the streets of Crossmaglen, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, in September 1981

Mr Murphy is believed to have served with the Royal Highland Fusiliers and to have survived at least one IRA bomb attack. 

One of his friends, known as Dukesy, wrote of the suicide on Twitter: ‘My friend took his life today. 

‘He served in Northern Ireland, was blown up by the IRA and fortunate to survive. 

‘More recently he was subject to the Historic inquiry witch hunt. He tried to take his life three times before, this time he succeeded. 

‘A victim of the IRA. RIP Spud.’   

Johnny Mercer, the veterans minister, wrote on Twitter to offer his condolences and promised the Government was working quickly to protect British soldiers from being forced through trials decades after serving their country. 

Johnny Mercer, the veterans minister, wrote on Twitter to offer his condolences and promised the Government was working quickly to protect British soldiers from being forced through trials decades after serving their country

He wrote: ‘I am aware of this, and my heart goes out to this individual and his family. 

‘This Prime Minister has promised legislation to end vexatious and repeated prosecution of veterans without new evidence. 

‘He tasked me to do it. By 18th March. And we will.’ 

Dennis Hutchings, 78, is due to go on trial next month for his alleged part in a shooting in 1974 but he is taking the Government to court over their promise to protect elderly veterans

Chairman of the Parliamentary Veterans Support Group , Ian Duncan Smith MP, told The Telegraph: ‘I am deeply saddened to hear the news of his death.

‘Too many ex-servicemen face being caught up in this historic cases review. The government promised they would stop such investigation unless there is new, fresh compelling evidence.

‘Too often ex-servicemen feel as though having served their country they have now been thrown to the wolves by politicians. It’s shameful.’ 

Mr Murphy’s death follows the announcement that another veteran that is being prosecuted for killing a man with learning difficulties during the Troubles is taking the Government to court. 

Dennis Hutchings, 78, is due to go on trial next month for his alleged part in a shooting in 1974 but he is taking the Government to court over their promise to protect elderly veterans.

Mr Hutchings, a former member of the Life Guards regiment, has previously accused ministers of abandoning veterans who risked their lives while serving for the British Army during the Troubles.  

He pleaded not guilty to the alleged attempted murder of John Pat Cunningham, 27, who died after he was shot in the back while running away from an Army patrol.  

Research shows British Army veterans are 54 times more likely to be prosecuted than former republican paramilitaries as a result of the Good Friday peace agreement. 

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