Nine Men Stand Trial in Derry Riot Case Connected to Journalist’s Death

A riot in Derry’s Creggan area that resulted in shots being fired at police vehicles might have been “a staged show of force for propaganda purposes,” Belfast Crown Court heard on Monday as the trial of nine men charged with various offenses approaches its final stages.

The unrest, which occurred on April 18th, 2019, resulted in the death of 29-year-old journalist Lyra McKee, who was struck by a bullet fired toward police Land Rovers positioned in the Fanad Drive area during the disturbance.

Nine defendants from Derry city face charges related to the riot as well as street disorder that took place two days earlier. Three of the accused—Paul McIntyre, 58, from Kells Walk; Jordan Devine, 25, from Bishop Street; and Peter Cavanagh, 37, from Mary Street—face the most serious charges, including murder, possession of a firearm and ammunition, rioting, and possession and throwing of petrol bombs.

The prosecution does not allege these three men fired the fatal shot that killed McKee but instead accuses them of “intentionally encouraging or assisting the gunman on a joint enterprise basis.” All three deny the charges against them.

Their co-defendants, charged with offenses including rioting and throwing petrol bombs, are Christopher Gillen, 45, from Balbane Pass; Joseph Campbell, 25, from Gosheden Cottages; Patrick Gallagher, 33, from John Field Place; Jude McCrory, 28, from Gartan Square; Joseph Barr, 37, from Sandringham Drive; and Kieran McCool, 57, from Ballymagowan Gardens. A tenth defendant, William Elliot, 58, died in England last February.

During Monday’s session of the non-jury trial, Justice Smyth heard submissions from defense barristers representing two of the accused. John Kearney KC, defending Peter Cavanagh, characterized the case against his client as “circumstantial” and questioned whether the prosecution had proven that the gunman who fired at the armored Land Rovers intended to kill or cause grievous bodily harm to police officers.

Kearney noted that when the shots were fired—described as “a 30-second burst of shooting”—no officers were outside their vehicles, and the gunfire caused “no serious penetrative damage” to the police Land Rovers. He suggested this required “appropriate scrutiny” from the court.

The defense also highlighted the presence of television presenter Reggie Yates and an MTV crew in Derry throughout that day. Kearney argued this context was significant, stating that what occurred in Creggan that evening was “consistent with a staged show of force, a show of strength, for propaganda purposes.” Rather than demonstrating an intent to kill, he suggested “this activity was with an eye to publicity… that was the predominant purpose for the unfolding trouble generally.”

Regarding Cavanagh specifically, who prosecutors identify as “Person G” in footage wearing a camouflage mask, Kearney disputed the Crown’s assertion that his client faced the crowd in a “stewarding role” around the time of the shooting, stating there was “no evidence” that Person G had his hands raised.

The defense also addressed forensic evidence linking Cavanagh to the crime scene—specifically his DNA on the zip pull of burned clothing found near where a hijacked car was abandoned. Kearney suggested “entirely innocent” explanations could exist, such as his client touching the garment or having coughed or sneezed on it.

The court also heard from Ciaran Mallon KC, representing Christopher Gillen, who faces charges related to petrol bomb offenses on April 16th and 18th, 2019, and the theft and burning of a Ford Transit tipper truck on April 18th. Gillen is alleged to be the masked “Person L” in footage, but Mallon argued the case relied “exclusively on clothing identification.” He noted discrepancies between the clothing worn by Person L—including a Trespass jacket and blue Nike trainers—and descriptions of attire worn by those who stole the truck. Mallon added that when Gillen’s home was searched, neither the jacket nor the trainers were found.

Defense closing submissions are expected to continue on Tuesday as the long-running trial moves toward conclusion. All nine defendants maintain their innocence.