Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘Witnesses to Lyra murder fear reprisals’
Claim as riot accused makes bail bid
POTENTIAL witnesses to Lyra Mckee’s killing may be too scared to come forward if two men accused of rioting that night are freed, a court heard yesterday.
Prosecutors said tensions remain high in the part of Derry where the journalist was shot, with graffiti warning informers will be “executed”.
The claim was made in the High Court as one of those allegedly involved in disorder in the Creggan on April 18 applied for bail. Christopher Gillen, 39, from Balbane Pass in the city, is accused of rioting, petrol bomb offences, and the hijacking and arson of a tipper truck.
The allegations against him relate to disturbances where police were attacked. Four vehicles were hijacked during unrest said to have been orchestrated and led by the New IRA.
Shots were also fired by an unidentified gunman, one of which killed Ms Mckee.
Gillen is not charged with any offences directly connected to the 29-year-old journalist’s killing.
But prosecutor Iryna Kennedy claimed CCTV footage links him to the general disturbances.
Opposing bail, she said tensions are still running high in the Creggan amid fears of intimidation.
The court heard a plea by Ms Mckee’s partner Sara Canning for witnesses to her shooting led to graffiti threatening consequences for those who co-operate. Mrs Kennedy contended that it would be “insensitive” for Gillen to be allowed to live at the proposed location.
She said: “Those who might be inclined to come forward certainly will not if he were released to the area.”
After Lord Justice Mccloskey was also told Gillen is allegedly linked to the dissident republican-linked political group Saoradh, his barrister Sean Doherty denies his client has ties the New IRA.
Following submissions the bail application was adjourned.