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Three men on trial over murder of journalist Lyra McKee



Three men have gone on trial charged with the murder of journalist Lyra McKee, who was shot dead in Derry five years ago.

Seven others are also in the dock at Belfast Crown Court on charges linked to disorder on the same night.

The 29-year-old journalist was shot in the head as she observed rioting close to police lines in the Creggan area of the city.

The New IRA admitted responsibility for her murder.

Those charged with her murder are 35-year-old Peter Cavanagh of Mary Street; 23-year-old Jordan Devine of Bishop Street and 56-year-old Paul McIntyre of Kells Walk, all in the city.

They are all also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The seven other defendants face a range of lesser charges including riot and throwing petrol bombs.

They are Joseph Patrick Barr, 36, of Sandringham Drive, Prehen Park, Derry; Jude McCrory 23, of Gartan Square Derry; William Elliott 57 of Ballymagowan Gardens, Derry; Joseph Anthony Campbell 23 of Gosheden Cottages, Derry; Patrick Gallagher 32, of John Field Place, Derry; Christopher Gillen 43, of Balbane Pass, Derry; Kieran McCool, 55, of Ballymagowan Gardens, Derry;

Ms McKee was hit as she stood behind police lines with a group of friends observing disorder on the 18 April, 2019.

Her murder was met with a public outcry.

The trial heard that Ms McKee has been standing near police landrovers when four shots were fired in their direction by a masked gunman from a nearby corner.

The crown alleges the masked gunman was brought to the firing point by number of men who assisted him.

It claims that three of those men are the accused Mr McIntyre, Mr Devine and Mr Cavanagh.



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