Man to stand trial accused of Lyra McKee murder

A DERRY man charged with the murder of journalist Lyra McKee over two years ago has been returned for trial to the crown court.

Paul McIntyre, of Ballymagowan Park, is charged with the murder of Lyra McKee, possessing a firearm with intent and belonging to a proscribed organisation “namely the Irish Republican Army”.

McIntrye is also charged, along with Christopher Joseph Gillen (40), of Cornshell Fields, with throwing and possessing petrol bombs, hijacking, arson and rioting on April 18, 2019.

The pair are further charged with robbery.

Ms McKee was shot dead on Thursday, April 18, 2019, while observing a riot at Fanad Drive in Creggan.

A teenage New IRA gunman fired a shot at police landrover but the bullet struck the author to the head.

The 29-year-old was rushed by police to Altnagelvin Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The New IRA later admitted it murder the talent writer who was planning to get engaged to her partner Sara Canning.

McIntyre and Gillen have been returned from Derry Magistrates’ Court to the crown court on a date to be fixed for their arraignment hearings.

It is likely that their cases will be transferred out of Derry to Belfast Crown Court where the majority of terrorist-related cases are heard.

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