Lyra trial delay
Legal arguments by Crown stalls case over death of journalist, 29
THE trial over the death of journalist Lyra Mckee, which was due to start yesterday, has been delayed pending legal arguments.
The 29-year-old died after being struck by a bullet fired at police during a riot in the Creggan area of the Derry on April 18, 2019.
A total of 10 men from the city have been charged with offences linked to the riot and while nine of the defendants appeared in the dock of Belfast Crown Court yesterday. A tenth accused attended via a videolink.
As Lyra’s loved ones sat in the public gallery, it emerged despite the non-jury hearing being listed to start as a trial yesterday, there are a number of legal issues that need to be addressed before the Crown can open its case.
After the defendants confirmed their identities to a court clerk, Judge Patricia Smyth was addressed by prosecutor David Mcdowell who outlined a number of areas of dispute between the Crown and defence. These issues will be heard over the coming days and as a result, it was not determined when the trial will be in a position to start.
Three of the 10 accused have been charged with murdering Lyra, possessing a firearm and ammunition and other linked offences including rioting and both possessing and throwing petrol bombs.
They are Paul Mcintyre, 56, from Kells Walk, Jordan Devine, 23, from Bishop Street and 35-year-old Peter Cavanagh from Mary Street.
Their seven co-accused are facing charges including rioting and throwing petrol bombs.
They are Christopher Gillen, 43, from Balbane Pass, Joseph Campbell, 23, from Gosheden Gardens and 32-yearold Patrick Gallagher from John Field Place.
Also in the court were Jude Mccrory, 26, from Gartan Square; Joseph Barr, 36, from Sandringham Drive and 55-year old Kieran Mccool whose address was given as Ballymagowan Gardens.
Meanwhile, William Elliot, 57, who is also from Ballygowan Gardens, attended yesterday via a videolink.
All 10 men have denied all the charges levelled at them.