Lyra McKee accused bailed on Christmas mural charge at Derry Court

One of the men charged with the murder of journalist Lyra McKee who was shot dead by dissident republicans in April 2019 has appeared in court charged with having articles in support of a proscribed organisation.

Jordan Devine (22) of Bishop Street in Derry was charged with one count of showing support for a proscribed organisation by the painting of a Christmas mural at Junior McDaid House, the headquarters of the dissident republican group Saoradh, on dates between November 24 and December 21.

The court was also told that Devine had also breached his bail on the murder charge by being 10 minutes late to sign.

His solicitor Paddy MacDermott said the breach was 'a very minor detail'.

A police officer connected the accused to the charge but did not oppose bail.

She told the court that at 2.00pm on November 24 a mural was being painted at Junior McDaid House in Chamberlain Street that depicted a Santa detonating a command wire and a caption stating 'they haven't gone away you know'.

The officer said that it is believed that the mural refers to the recent attack on a PSNI patrol in Strabane.

The officer said that the defendant was 'responsible' for painting the mural.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that it was 'a very minor charge' that carried a six month sentence.

He asked the officer if any complaints had been made in relation to the mural from local residents and the officer said some councillors had complained.

The solicitor said that as far as he knew no councillor representing that area had complained.

Bail was agreed.

Devine will appear again on January 16.