Lyra McKee: Murder trial opening delayed

It has been delayed amid legal arguments

Lyra's sister Nichola McKee Corner (left) and partner Sara Canning outside Laganside Court arriving for the trial of three men charged with her murder.
Author: Chelsie Kealey &PAPublished 29th Apr 2024

The opening of the trial of three men over the murder of journalist Lyra McKee has been delayed amid legal arguments.

29-year-old Lyra McKee was shot and killed in Londonderry on April 18, 2019.

Ms McKee was observing rioting in the Creggan area of Derry.

Peter Cavanagh, 35, of Mary Street, Derry; Jordan Gareth Devine, 23, of Bishop Street, Derry; and Paul McIntyre, 56, of Kells Walk, Derry, have all been charged with murder.

The three also face a number of other charges including possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent, as well as possession of and throwing of a petrol bomb.

Seven other men are also facing trial on a number of charges including rioting and throwing a petrol bomb.

They are: Joseph Patrick Barr, 36, of Sandringham Drive, Derry; Jude Forest Coffey, 26, of Gartan Square, Derry; William Patrick Elliott, 57, of Ballymagowan Gardens, Derry; Joseph Anthony Campbell, 23, of Gosheden Cottages, Derry; Patrick Anthony Gallagher, 32, of John Field Place, Derry; Christopher Joseph Gillen, 43, of Balbane Pass, Derry; and Kieran George McCool, 55, of Ballymagowan Gardens, Derry.

The three accused of murder and six of the men accused of other offences appeared in the dock at Belfast Crown Court this morning (Monday) while one appeared via videolink.

Ms McKee's family, including her sister Nichola McKee Corner, and her former partner Sara Canning were present in the public gallery.

During the brief hearing, the lead prosecutor outlined a number of legal arguments still to be resolved.

Judge Patricia Smyth adjourned the hearing to tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

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