Men accused of murdering Lyra McKee linked to scene by clothing, Belfast court told | UK news
Three men accused of murdering Belfast journalist Lyra McKee were linked to the scene by clothing and physical characteristics, a court heard.
The New IRA claimed responsibility for the death of McKee, 29, who was shot and killed while standing near police vehicles while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Derry on 18 April 2019.
Three men from Derry – Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street, Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, of Bishop Street, and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk – were charged with murder. They also face other charges related to assault with a weapon and riot.
The trial began in May 2024. In February, Judge Patricia Smyth rejected a defense application that there was no case to answer due to lack of evidence.
Proceedings at Belfast crown court resumed on Wednesday morning, with the defendants filling the dock as the prosecution outlined their case against them.
Six more people from Derry are on trial on charges including rioting and throwing tear gas bombs. They are: Joseph Patrick Barr, 37, of Sandringham Drive; Jude Forest Coffey (28), of Gartan Square; Joseph Anthony Campbell (25) of Gosheden Cottages; Patrick Anthony Gallagher, 33, of John Field Place; Christopher Joseph Gillen, 45, of Balbane Pass; and Kieran George McCool, 57, of Ballymagowan Gardens.
All nine men deny the charges.
Another man accused of rioting and throwing tear gas bombs on the night of the murder also died during the trial last year.
The prosecution alleges that the three men accused of murder accompanied a gunman to the shooting point at night and encouraged or assisted him.
McKee’s sister, Nichola, was among those watching in the public gallery.
Prosecuting attorney David McDowell KC said forensic image analyst Andrew Wooller identified 19 people who appeared to be involved in the disorder based on height, body build, clothing and trainers.
He said that he, Cavanagh, Devine and McIntyre, as well as Campbell and Gillen, could be linked to the crime scene on April 18 through analysis of footage collected by the MTV crew, including footage shot on the day of the shooting.
McDowell also claimed that those involved in riots in the area on April 16 and 18 “demonstrated forensic awareness” by burning clothing.
McDowell claimed McIntyre played a “lead role” and was seen near the gunman. He said he was photographed wearing “different” lace-trimmed sneakers, a hooded jacket, a red Superdry T-shirt, O’Neill tracksuit bottoms, a Nike cap and a metal bracelet, which “overwhelmingly” linked him to Person D, whose short stature and heavy build, appeared in footage of the 18 April riot. He added that McIntyre’s name was also uniquely tattooed on Paul’s knuckles and on the top of his left hand.
McDowell said Devine was seen multiple times wearing different sneakers, sweatpants and a U.S. Polo Association hat, which linked him to Person B in the April 18 riot footage.
He said McIntyre and Devine refused to give evidence to explain the evidence against them.
The trial continues.
