Derry Court: Hearing told video footage shows defendants 'at the very least support the IRA but in all probability are the IRA'

The mixed committal hearing to decide if the 8 men charged in connection with the rioting and shooting of the journalist Lyra McKee should be sent for trial has been shown video footage taken at the time when the fatal shots were fired.

Lyra McKee, a journalist, was shot dead on April 18 2019 and the New IRA claimed responsibility for the shooting.

Peter Gearoid 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.

On the second day of the hearing the court was shown footage from various sources including mobile phones of the moment a gunman fired shots at the PSNI.

While the footage was being shown David McDowell KC for the prosecution identified various people who he said were among the 8 defendants.

He pointed out some features including a zip pull which he said had been found in a burnt out car after the shooting which he claimed was linked to the defendant Cavanagh.

Mr McDowell also identified what he said were some of the other defendants by things like a pattern on their tracksuit.

The moment that the gunman walks up to the corner was also shown to the court and the prosecutor said that the man who fired the shots is not before the court.

Following the firing of the shots several people that the prosecution said were among the defendants are seen walking away.

Following this footage a large amount of the footage taken by the MTV crew accompanying the presenter Reggie Yates was shown to the court.

Mr McDowell said that from some of the material on this footage involving some of the defendants was clear that 'at the very least support the IRA but in all probability are the IRA.'

Various scenes were shown to the court of the incidents in the Creggan area during the rioting before Lyra McKee was shot.

Several of the defendants were seen talking to the MTV presenter without masks about the history and the current situation.

On one occasion several masked men can be seen talking to the people with Mr Yates.

The hearing continues.