Home / Crime and Justice / Court Rejects Bid to Halt Lyra McKee Murder Trial
Court Rejects Bid to Halt Lyra McKee Murder Trial
27 Feb
Summary
- Court rejected a bid to halt the murder trial of three men.
- Judge noted disturbing behavior by an experienced police officer.
- Lyra McKee died from a bullet during rioting in Londonderry.
A Belfast court has refused a request to stop the ongoing murder trial of three men accused in the killing of journalist Lyra McKee. Her Honour Judge Patricia Smyth stated that while issues with evidence were raised, a fair trial could still proceed.
Lyra McKee, aged 29, was killed on April 18, 2019, after being struck by a bullet while observing rioting in Londonderry's Creggan area. The New IRA has since claimed responsibility for her death.
Three men from Derry – Peter Cavanagh, Jordan Gareth Devine, and Paul McIntyre – are on trial for murder at Belfast Crown Court. Additional charges related to the shooting and the rioting are also before the court.
Judge Smyth addressed concerns about evidence, including footage from an MTV documentary and police identification procedures. While she excluded evidence stemming from a problematic police viewing, she found it did not prevent a fair trial, emphasizing the public interest in prosecuting grave crimes.
