Committal hearing for eight men charged with murder of journalist Lyra McKee adjourned

The mixed committal hearing in the case involving 8 men charged in connection with the murder and rioting on the night journalist Lyra McKee was shot dead has been adjourned. 

The hearing to decide if the men should be sent for trial was scheduled to start today and was intended to last three days. 

Gérard Cavanagh (33) of Elmwood Terrace and Jordan Devine (21) of Synge Court both in Derry are charged with the murder of Lyra McKee on April 18 2019 and also charged in connection with the rioting on the same date.

Patrick Gallagher (29) of Pinetrees, Joe Campbell (21) of Goshaden Cottages, Kieran McCool (53) of Ballymagowan Gardens, Jude McCrory (24) of Magowan Park, Joseph Barr (33) of Cecilia's Walk and William Patrick Elliott (56) of Ballymagowan Gardens all in Derry are all charged with rioting and throwing petrol bombs on the same date.

However, when the hearing started District Judge Ted Magill said that an issue had arisen in that one of the defendants could not be present due to another legal commitment.

He said that he was 'extremely unhappy with the absence.'

The judge said that all of the defendants were entitled to hear what was being said and so the mixed committal would not proceed today.

Judge Magill said that he was available for the hearing on January 16 and the case was adjourned until then.

All of the defendants are currently on bail.