Home / Crime and Justice / Lyra McKee Trial: Defence Casts Doubt on Key Evidence
Lyra McKee Trial: Defence Casts Doubt on Key Evidence
15 Apr
Summary
- Defence questions quality of mobile phone footage used.
- Prosecution links suspect to scene via clothing and features.
- New IRA claimed responsibility for the journalist's death.
The defence has raised significant questions regarding the evidence presented in the trial of those accused of the murder of journalist Lyra McKee. Lyra McKee tragically died in April 2019 after being struck by a bullet in the Creggan area of Londonderry. The New IRA later claimed responsibility for her death.
During closing submissions, defence barrister Mark Mulholland KC argued that the mobile phone footage used by the prosecution to link suspect Paul McIntyre to the scene is of poor quality due to compression and pixel loss. He contended that this "compromised image" is an insufficient foundation for a murder charge. The prosecution alleges that McIntyre played a "leading role" in the events that led to Ms McKee's death, with three men jointly charged with murder on a joint enterprise basis.
McIntyre, along with Peter Cavanagh and Jordan Gareth Devine, deny the charges. They are also facing other charges related to rioting and disturbances. Several other men are facing separate charges for their alleged involvement in the unrest on the night of the murder. The trial continues as barristers present their closing arguments.
