Lyra McKee Murder Trial: Accused 'Part of Shooting Party' and 'Stewarded Crowd'
Belfast Crown Court has heard that one of the men accused of murdering journalist Lyra McKee was "part of the shooting party" and "stewarded" the crowd during the fatal incident in 2019. The 29-year-old author and journalist died after being struck by a bullet while observing disturbances in the Creggan area of Londonderry on April 18, 2019. She was standing close to police vehicles at the time.
Three Men Charged with Murder
Three men have been charged with the murder of Lyra McKee: Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street in Derry; Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, of Bishop Street; and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk. The prosecution argues that these three accompanied a lone gunman to the firing point on the night of the shooting, encouraging or assisting him. All three have denied the charges and refused to give evidence.
The New IRA claimed responsibility for McKee's death, which occurred during rioting in the Creggan area. The trial, which is not a jury trial, opened in May 2024, and in February, Judge Patricia Smyth rejected a defence application that there was no case to answer.
Prosecution's Case: Cavanagh Identified as 'Person G'
Prosecuting barrister David McDowell KC presented evidence that Peter Cavanagh is "person G" identified in mobile footage of the shooting. According to McDowell, person G is seen wearing a camouflage mask, bomber jacket, and skinny jeans, with a slim build and upright walk. The footage allegedly shows Cavanagh walking briskly with the gunman, positioning himself in the middle of the road, and turning to face the crowd twice, "as if stewarding them."
McDowell emphasized that Cavanagh's actions indicated he was "part of the shooting party" and not there accidentally. "Whenever he arrives at the scene, he is part of the shooting party... he is not there accidentally, he is there for a reason," McDowell stated. He added that Cavanagh moved towards the gunman "to assist" after shots were fired, where two other people were picking up items believed to be cartridges.
Judge Queries and Prosecution Response
Judge Patricia Smyth queried how person G was stewarding the crowd. In response, McDowell highlighted the "purpose" with which Cavanagh and three others, identified as B, C, and D, walked alongside the gunmen. "It is the purpose with which Cavanagh is walking shows he is part of the shooting party, and ultimately the actions he takes," McDowell explained. He contrasted this with casual behavior, saying, "If he was eating a curry chip he would not be behaving (that way). He looks like he has a position of responsibility."
Additional Charges and Defendants
In addition to the murder charges, Devine and McIntyre face other charges connected to the shooting and rioting. Six other Derry men are on trial for charges including rioting and throwing petrol bombs. They are:
- Joseph Patrick Barr, 37, of Sandringham Drive
- Jude Forest Coffey, 28, of Gartan Square
- Joseph Anthony Campbell, 25, of Gosheden Cottages
- Patrick Anthony Gallagher, 33, of John Field Place
- Christopher Joseph Gillen, 45, of Balbane Pass
- Kieran George McCool, 57, of Ballymagowan Gardens
Another man accused of rioting and throwing petrol bombs on the night of the murder died during trial proceedings last year.
Evidence and Forensic Analysis
The trial heard earlier that it was seemingly a "policy" of the accused to destroy clothing they had been wearing. This came after a sequence of events, including rioting in the same area on April 16 and gatherings filmed by an MTV crew, from which clothing and features of those involved are contended to match those on April 18. However, a number of items of clothing have not been recovered, with the prosecution contending this was a "fact to bear in mind" and indicative of a "policy" to destroy evidence.
Forensic image analyst Andrew Wooller identified 19 individuals by height, build, clothing, and trainers who appeared to be involved in the disorder. The prosecution argues that Cavanagh, Devine, McIntyre, as well as Campbell and Gillen, can be linked to the scene on April 18 through analysis of imagery, including footage filmed by the MTV crew in the Saoradh office and during rioting.
It was contended that McIntyre played a "leading role," seen gathering items from the ground, believed to be cartridges, after the shooting.
Court Proceedings and Public Gallery
The prosecution started their final submissions at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday, with the defendants filling the dock as the case was summed up. Ms McKee's sister, Nichola, was among those in the public gallery, observing the proceedings closely.
The defence are set to make their closing submissions next month, as the trial continues to unfold in the high-profile case that has drawn significant public and media attention.
