Paul McIntyre, Peter Cavanagh, and Jordan Devine were found not guilty of the murder of journalist Lyra McKee in a non-jury trial. McKee, 29, was shot on April 18, 2019, in Derry's Creggan area during unrest involving petrol bombs and gunfire; the New IRA claimed responsibility. The judge cited insufficient evidence linking the defendants to the fatal shot.
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The acquittal illustrates persistent difficulties holding paramilitary actors accountable and threats to press freedom in post-conflict areas affected by inequality.
“Legacy of the Troubles shielding dissident networks and unresolved sectarian divisions”
The outcome reflects evidentiary and intimidation hurdles that shield New IRA operatives, underscoring failures of the post-Good Friday Agreement framework.
“Need for stronger counter-terrorism powers and support for policing against rejectionist factions”
The verdict upholds the presumption of innocence and evidentiary standards in a non-jury setting, protecting against guilt by association.
“Due process safeguards and trade-offs of non-jury trials amid paramilitary violence”
All three perspectives assume the defendants were tied to the New IRA attack without addressing the judge's finding of insufficient proof or alternative explanations for the violence.
“Overemphasis on political narratives at the expense of individual evidentiary records”
Ratings by MBFC