Evidence Described as Weak in Lyra McKee Murder Trial
Evidence against one of the men charged with the murder of journalist Lyra McKee has been characterized in court by a defence barrister as "weak" and "tenuous".
Jordan Devine, 25, from Bishop Street in Londonderry, is one of three men charged with the murder, which he denies.
Two other men from Derry have also denied murder - Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street, and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk.
Details of the Incident
Lyra McKee, aged 29, died after being struck by a bullet while standing near police vehicles observing disturbances in the Creggan area of Derry in April 2019. The New IRA claimed responsibility for her death.
Defence Arguments Presented in Court
Devine's barrister, Eilis McDermott KC, told Belfast Crown Court that the case against her client was "wholly circumstantial."
"The case against him is wholly circumstantial,"
She described evidence from a forensic image analyst as "tenuous" and stated that identification evidence was "inherently weak."
The court viewed mobile phone footage showing shots being fired on the night Lyra McKee was killed.
Devine's barrister disputed claims that his client's clothing matched some attire seen in the footage worn by an individual standing close to where the shots were fired.
Prosecution's Case and Trial Progress
The prosecution alleges that the three men accused of murder accompanied a lone gunman to the location where the shots were fired and that they encouraged or assisted him.
All three men have denied the charges and have declined to give evidence.
The non-jury trial commenced in May 2024.
The prosecution has presented its case, and the court is currently hearing defence submissions.
In February, the trial judge, Mrs Justice Smyth, dismissed a defence application claiming there was no case to answer.
Additional Charges Against Other Defendants
Six other men from Derry face charges including rioting and throwing a petrol bomb. They are Joseph Barr, 37, of Sandringham Drive; Jude McCrory, 28, of Gartan Square; Joseph Anthony Campbell, 25, of Goshaden Cottages; Patrick Anthony Gallagher, 33, of John Field Place; Kieran George McCool, 57, of Ballymagowan Gardens; and Christopher Joseph Gillen, 45, of Balbane Pass.
All deny the charges and none have given evidence in their defence.
One other defendant, William Patrick Elliott, 58, formerly of Ballymagowan Gardens, Derry, died last year.
Next Steps in the Trial
The defence submissions are scheduled to continue on Wednesday.
