Defendants Decline to Testify in Lyra McKee Murder Case
The trial concerning the murder of journalist Lyra McKee has reached a significant stage, with the court being informed that none of the nine defendants involved will be providing evidence in their defense.
Lyra McKee was fatally shot while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Londonderry in April 2019. The New IRA has admitted responsibility for the killing of the 29-year-old journalist.
Among those charged with murder are Peter Cavanagh, 37, of Mary Street in Derry; Jordan Devine, 25, of Bishop Street; and Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk.
During proceedings at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday, barristers representing all nine men confirmed that none of their clients would be giving evidence or presenting any evidence on their behalf.
Additional Charges and Defendants
In addition to the three charged with murder, six other men from Derry face charges including rioting and throwing a petrol bomb. All nine defendants deny the charges against them.
The six men 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.
Another defendant, William Patrick Elliott, 58, formerly of Ballymagowan Gardens, passed away last year.
Judge Addresses Defendants' Decision
In court, Mrs Justice Smyth addressed the defense barristers, stating:
"The stage has now been reached at which your clients may give evidence. If any of them chooses not to do so, or having been sworn without good cause refuses to answer any questions, the court may draw such inferences as appear proper from his failure to do so."
She then inquired of each barrister whether their client wished to give evidence. Upon receiving confirmation from all nine legal teams that their clients would not testify, the senior judge declared:
"In those circumstances we will move to final submissions."
The case is scheduled to resume on 25 March.
Previous Court Rulings
Last month, the judge dismissed a defense application asserting that there was no case to answer, allowing the trial to proceed.
