Derry Court hears 19 police witnesses against five charged over pro-Palestine rally

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today that there are 19 police witnesses in the case against five people charged with taking part in an illegal procession in support of Palestine. 

Goretti Horgan (70) of Westland Avenue, Davina Pulis (36) of Knoxhill Park, Robert Paul Maxwell (60) of Rathlin Drive and Jude Coffey (27) of Gartan Square and local councillor Shaun Harkin (52) of Beechwood Avenue all in Derry are charged with taking part in an illegal procession on February 14 2024 and in Harkin's case February 17 in support of Palestine. 

Former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood had also been charged in connection with the march but accepted a diversion at a previous hearing. 

At today's hearing defence counsel Sinead Rogan for three of the defendants said that a request had been made to the court for a separate day to hear this case but as yet no reply had been received. 

She said a separate day would be required as there are a lot of witnesses in the case. 

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A prosecutor told the court that there are 19 police witnesses in the case.

District Judge Mark Hamill said it was a case that required a separate day for hearing.

The case against all of the accused, who are pleading not guilty to the charge, was adjourned until December 3 to see if a reply is forthcoming from the court office.