Man stabbed and left critically injured at house in Derry’s Cornshell Fields last month

The BBC reports that Andrew Carlin, 23, from Amelia Court, Derry, appeared at Derry Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, January 30 for a first remand hearing.

He is also accused of wounding the man with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm and possessing a knife.

Mr Carlin is further charged with aggravated burglary and stealing a mobile phone.

The charges are connected to an assault in the Cornshell Fields area of the city last month.

A PSNI officer told the court that police received a 999 call from a woman in Cornshell Fields who said the defendant had stabbed a man in the early hours of December 2, 2019.

The officer said a female witness said two men, with their faces partially covered, had forced their way into the victim’s house.

The witness said the defendant was armed with either a sword or machete and that he struck the victim in the stomach, the court was told.

Both men then ran out of the house and left the estate in a grey Volkswagen car driven by a third man.

The officer told the court that police had been trying to locate the defendant since the incident.

He said the defendant was on licence following a conviction for violent offences in 2014 and depending on the outcome of the new charges, his licence could be revoked.

Applying for bail, a defence solicitor said there was neither forensic nor reliable identification evidence against the defendant.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay released the defendant on bail of £500 together with a surety of £750.

He said he was not satisfied that the police had been actively seeking the defendant nor was he satisfied that the defendant had been evading the police.

As part of his bail conditions, Carlin must also reside at Amelia Court home and is banned from consuming alcohol or illegal drugs.

He must also wear an electronic tag, and stay out of the Cornshell Fields and Leafair Park areas of Derry.

Carlin is due back in court again on Thursday, March 12.

John

Bloody Sunday murder victim Bernard ‘Barney’ McGuigan

Senior judges rejected claims that Bernard McGuigan’s relatives were not entitled to the aggravated damages for injury to his feelings.

The MoD argued against the payment because he died instantly.

Mr McGuigan was shot as he went to the aid of another man.

Thirteen people were killed and 15 wounded when members of the Army’s Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in Derry on Sunday 30 January 1972.

A 14th person later died of his injuries.

On Thursday, judges backed a finding that Mr McGuigan, a father-of-six, would have experienced fear and dread when members of the Parachute Regiment opened fire.

Lord Justice McCloskey said: “All of this conduct… was capable of generating in every person of normal mental fortitude in the area a reasonable apprehension of being shot or wounded.”

In 2010 the Saville Inquiry into the shootings established the innocence of all of the victims.

Those findings led to the then Prime Minister David Cameron issuing a public apology for the soldiers’ actions.

He described the killings as “unjustified and unjustifiable”.

Liability has been accepted by the MoD in legal actions taken against it by those bereaved or injured.

Court proceedings have centred on the level of damages in each case, with more than £3m in total paid out to date.

Mr McGuigan, known as Barney, was a painter and decorator.

He was shot at the Rossville Flats area as he went to the aid of 31-year-old Patrick Doherty, who was also shot dead on the day.

The 41-year-old had been waving a handkerchief or towel when he was hit by a bullet to the head, killing him instantly.

A claim by his estate was settled for £258,000.

A High Court judge then awarded a further £15,000 in aggravated damages.

He found that the soldier’s actions would have “filled the deceased with fear and dread, coupled with a strong sense of indignation and hurt at being the innocent victim of a blatant, unprovoked and unjust attack by members of the Army.”

The MoD went to the Court of Appeal to challenge the additional award, claiming it was wrong in law because Mr McGuigan’s death was instantaneous.

But counsel for his family insisted the payout was justified by the terror he experienced during the shootings.

Mr McGuigan had been sheltering behind a wall when he went out to try to offer help, clearly aware he was put himself in danger, the court heard.

Killed on Bloody Sunday: The victims

Ruling on the appeal, Lord Justice McCloskey described the MoD’s case as unsustainable and affirmed the £15,000 compensation for aggravated damages.

He also made an award of costs of the hearing against the MoD.L

John

James Wray (left) and William McKinney murdered by British soldier on Bloody Sunday in Derry in January 1972

The former paratrooper is charged with murdering two men on Bloody Sunday.

He faces five further charges of attempted murder.

District judge Barney McElholm said today a final decision on a venue for committal proceedings will be taken on Monday, February 24.

Soldier F is charged with the murders of James Wray and William McKinney in Derry in January 1972.

Four of the attempted murder charges relate to the wounding of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick O’Donnell.

The fifth relates to person or persons unknown.

Decision later this month on whether Soldier F case will be held in Derry courthouse or Belfast

The district judge said he would carefully consider its content before making a decision on the venue for committal proceedings.

He said there was also a date in mind for those proceedings but that might have to be changed.

The judge said he was conscious of the fact that all the main players, including the soldier and the victims’ families, were not getting any younger.

Liam Wray, he said, made that point in his letter on behalf of the families.

Mr Wray further pointed out that justice had not just to be done but be seen to be done, the court was told.

Bishop Edward Daly on Bloody Sunday in January 1972

The court also heard a number of extra witnesses have been agreed and more details would emerge on Monday, February 24.

John

Daneil Hegarty was shot dead by a British soldier in Derry in 1972

Daniel Hegarty, 15, was killed in a British Army operation in Creggan in July 1972.

In April 2019, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) announced the veteran, who cannot be identified, is to be charged with the teenager’s murder.

He also faces a charge of wounding the teenager’s cousin, Christopher Hegarty.

The BBC reports that lawyers for the Army veteran, known as Soldier B, are seeking to judicially review those decisions at the High Court in Belfast.

Counsel for the ex-serviceman claimed that prosecutors failed to properly consider his health in reaching the decision to charge him over Daniel Hegarty’s killing.

The lawyer argued the decision to prosecute breaches his human rights.

Soldier B’s identity or whereabouts cannot be revealed due to reporting restrictions.

The ban also prevents precise details of the legal arguments made on his behalf being disclosed.

In 2011, an inquest jury found Daniel Hegarty posed no risk and was shot without warning as the Army moved in to clear “no-go” areas during Operation Motorman.

A decision was taken not to prosecute Soldier B in 2016.

Daniel Hegarty with his sister Kathleen in Creggan

The current director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland, Stephen Herron, carried out a review of the case before announcing charges are to be brought.

His decision is now being challenged by Soldier B on a number of grounds, including irrationality and an alleged failure to take proper account of the evidence.

The hearing continues.

John

Riot accused Paul McIntyre now charged with murder of Lyra McKee

He is Paul McIntyre from Ballymagowan Park who is currently on bail charged with rioting on the night Ms McKee was shot dead ten months ago,

Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team arrested McIntrye in Derry’s Creggan area on Wednesday afternoon with the murder of the 29 year old.

Ms McKee who was shot dead by terrorists in Derry on Thursday, April 18, 2019 while observing rioting in Creggan.

She sustained a single gunshot wound to the head fired by a lone and masked gunman in the area of Fanad Drive.

Police rushed her to Altnagelvin Hospital but the author was pronounced dead on arrival in the emergency department.

McIntyre was arrested by detectives on Tuesday, February 11, and taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite.

Talented journalist Lyra McKee shot dead in Derry on Thursday, April 18, 2019

He will appear at Derry Magistrates’ Court this morning for a first remand hearing.

Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said: “I have always said a number of individuals were involved with the gunman on the night Lyra was killed.

“And while today is significant for the investigation the quest for the evidence to bring the gunman to justice remains active and ongoing.”

McIntyre is one of a number of individuals subject to this ongoing murder investigation.

The N=w IRA later admitted the murder of Ms McKee.

The masked gunman who fired the fatal shots which killed Lyra McKee

Her funeral was attended by then British prime minister Theresa May, Irish PM Leo Varadkar and Irish President Michael D Higgins at St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast.

Fr Martin Magill received a standing ovation when he asked why it took her death to unite politicians.

Days later the British and Irish governments announced a new talks process aimed at restoring devolution.

John

Derry Paul McIntyre in court over murder of Lyra McKee

Paul McIntyre, from Derry, is accused of killing Ms McKee, 29, who was shot dead by dissident republicans while observing a riot in Creggan in April last year.

Supporters of the 52-year-old holding placards saying he is a “political hostage” and a “British scapegoat” scuffled with up to 40 police officers as they refused to move from the entrance to Derry Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

There were loud cheers as McIntyre was brought out of a Range Rover and taken into the court building at Bishop Street.

Ms McKee was standing near a police landrover when she was hit by a bullet to the head fired by a masked gunman towards officers.

The writer was living in the city with her partner, Sara Canning, who also arrived at court on Thursday morning.

Ms Mckee’s sister Nichola Corner was among several people in the public gallery wearing T shirts emblazoned with her picture with the words “Speak out for Lyra” emblazoned on the front.

In a statement on Wednesday, Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said: “I have always said a number of individuals were involved with the gunman on the night Lyra was killed, and while today is significant for the investigation the quest for the evidence to bring the gunman to justice remains active and ongoing.”

Supporters of Paul McIntyre clash with police outside Derry court

Her funeral was attended by then British prime minister Theresa May, Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Irish President Michael D Higgins at St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast.

Catholic priest Fr Martin Magill received a standing ovation when he asked why it took her death to unite politicians.

Days later the British and Irish governments announced a new talks process aimed at restoring devolution.

Powersharing was resurrected last month and the first same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland took place this week.

McIntyre is also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and belonging to or professing to be a member of a proscribed organisation.

His address was given in court as Kinnego Park, Derry.

Inside the Bishop Street building, the court heard that evidence in the case included footage from music television channel MTV, as an MTV crew had been in the city filming that day, as well as mobile footage from members of the public.

Mr McIntryre’s defence solicitor said his client faced allegations that he was seen “picking up casings” that had come from a gun after it was fired by another male who Mr McIntyre was standing behind.

He added that there was “scant” evidence against him.

Mr McIntyre spoke only to confirm his name and address.

District Judge Barney McElholm said: “A woman with her entire life ahead of her, a very promising life, was murdered needlessly and pointlessly, like all the other murders in this country.

“It is very important that the murderers of Lyra McKee are brought to justice if this can be done, but we need to get the right people.”

The judge said that protesters’ behaviour, blocking the court’s entrance and “threatening journalists”, was doing Paul McIntyre “no favours whatsoever”.

Mr McIntyre has been remanded in custody until Thursday, February 27.

John

Real IRA member Kieran Doherty kidnapped and shot dead by his own organisation in 2010

It is ten years since 31-year-old Kieran Doherty was found dead after he was dumped on Derry’s Braehead Road.

He was kidnapped, stripped, bound and blasted to death.

Vincent Coyle said: “I spoke with Kieran’s mother (Christine) yesterday prior to this and, as she says, she is reliving it every day as if it was just today.

“It is frustrating but I understand the fight that we have taking on the security services and that is a big fight in itself.”

Mr Doherty’s former associates in the Real IRA said they killed him.

His family suspects the British secret service MI5 knows more about the killing than it has revealed.

A preliminary hearing of an inquest into his death was held in Belfast on Friday.

Coroner Brian Sherrard heard legal matters surrounding the production of official documents and will next consider the case in June.

Afterwards, Mr Coyle said it had been a difficult decade and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He added: “Every time there is a problem like this or a hold back, it just makes us (wonder) what is it that is being hidden?

“The family has very high confidence in this particular coroner, we believe he is turning every stone over.”

The brief hearing concentrated on the disclosure of documents held by police and whether they were sensitive or not.

Mr Sherrard said: “I would prefer to get the matter to a date so that we can all focus on the review of the materials.

“Realistically it seems to me that, because of the nature of the materials and the work that has to be done, not terribly much will be achieved by us meeting much before the summer recess.”

A date at the end of June was set.

The coroner added: “Matters are moving on with the alacrity that I would expect in a case of this type.

“I would be hoping that by the time we get to the next preliminary hearing on June 26 that I will be in a position to give more detail about where we go next.”

John

James Wray (left) and William McKinney murdered by British soldier on Bloody Sunday in Derry in January 1972

Liam Wray spoke out after a final decision on the venue for future hearings involving “Soldier F” was adjourned for another month.

The ex-paratrooper is accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney on January 30 1972, when troops opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in the Bogside area of Derry, killing 13 people. A 14th person later died o

He also stands accused of the attempted murders of Patrick O’Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon and Michael Quinn.

The former soldier also faces a seventh supporting charge of the attempted murder of a person or persons unknown on the day.

Mr McKinney’s brother Mickey echoed Mr Wray’s concerns after a decision on venue, which was expected on Monday morning, was put back until next month.

“It’s very important, this is where the crime was committed, not half a mile from where we are standing here,” said Mr McKinney outside Derry courthouse.

“We are the victims here. The people who are standing here this morning are the victims. This is where the case should be heard, not Belfast because of one man (Soldier F).”

While preliminary court proceedings have been heard in Bishop Street court in Derry, the court authorities are deliberating whether a committal hearing and any potential future trial should be moved to Belfast.

It comes amid security concerns about staging the proceedings in Derry and practical issues about the size and acoustics of the court facilities in the city.

Soldier F has yet to appear in person at any preliminary hearings, but would be required to attend his committal.

Mr Wray noted that previous investigations linked to the case had been heard away from Derry, insisting issues around security and acoustics could be overcome.

“The atrocity happened in Derry,” he said.

“It was witnessed by many, many people.

“The majority of witnesses in this case are going to be Derry people. For them to have to trip up to Belfast, which is not an easy journey, would be ridiculous.”

Mr Wray added: “The issue here is we are talking about open justice.

“Justice for all and the experience we have had over the 48 years that we have been campaigning in regards to our relatives who were the victims of Bloody Sunday has been that the initial inquiry (Widgery Tribunal) happened in Coleraine, we have seen the way that left people feeling about justice, then we had the soldiers’ evidence in the Bloody Sunday inquiry in London.

“It’s about time people got real, it’s about time to say justice should be seen to be done and it should be heard to be done too in this courthouse.”

District Judge Barnie McElholm had indicated that a decision on the venue would be outlined to the court on Monday.

However, at the brief hearing Mark Mulholland QC, barrister for Solider F, asked for time to make a submission.

Killed on Bloody Sunday: The victims

Mr Mulholland also noted that the management of the case was due to be passed from Judge McElhom to fellow district judge Paul Magill.

Granting the adjournment for Mr Mulholland to lodge submissions, Judge McElholm said the court authorities had been undertaking work to establish the suitability of several venues.

“These things are not simple but there’s a lot of work going on in the background,” he said.

The judge adjourned the matter until March 26, when he said Judge Magill would decide on the venue and set a date for the committal hearing.

John

Court of Appeal rules PSNI breached rights of Derry man in stop and searches in Derry

Senior judges identified failures in recording the basis for the actions taken against Steven Ramsey.

The former member of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement may now sue the Chief Constable for damages, his lawyer said.

Mr Ramsey (41) went to court claiming his right to privacy was breached by powers used to detain him without justification by any suspected dissident republican associations.

He has stated that he does not belong to any illegal organisation or political party and has no convictions for paramilitary activity.

His challenge centred on stop and search actions carried out under the Justice and Security (NI) Act 2007.

According to Mr Ramsey’s lawyers there were more than 150 incidents between 2009 and 2013.

Notes from some of the searches indicated that he was stopped due to “suspected dissident republican links” or “as a result of confidential briefings”.

But proceedings issued against the Chief Constable and Secretary of State only focused on seven incidents after a code of practice was introduced in 2013.

The applicant, from Derry’s Creggan area, argued that the power to detain him contravened Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

In 2018 the High Court found that PSNI failures to record the grounds for searches under scrutiny were inconsistent with a code of practice.

But a judge dismissed the challenge after deciding the evidence established there had been a basis for each incident.

Appealing that ruling, counsel for Mr Ramsey insisted the stop and search authority is not subject to adequate legal protections and amounted to harassment.

She submitted that it amounted to an arbitrary power used more than necessary.

The court heard that being categorised as a dissident republican, through not supporting the Good Friday Agreement, was not enough reason for the action taken against him.

Concerns must relate to any suspected munitions or wireless apparatus, it was contended.

Appeal judges concluded that the scheme as a whole contains sufficient safeguards to protect the individual against arbitrary interference.

Police are required, however, to identify the basis for exercising the power.

There was a breach of Article 8 in the searches carried out on Mr Ramsey due to the failure to record the basis for the action at the time or shortly afterwards, the court confirmed.

Following the ruling Mr Ramsey’s solicitor, Fearghal Shiels of Madden & Finucane, said the recording requirement was regarded as critical for monitoring and supervision of the powers.

“In Mr Ramsey’s case, the PSNI effectively ceased subjecting him to stop and search once he brought these proceedings in the High Court and officers were required to submit sworn evidence to the court,” Mr Shiels added.

“His position in bringing these proceedings has been totally vindicated by today’s decision.

“He will now be advised in relation to an action for damages against the Chief Constable.”

John

A young woman who suffered serious facial injuries in an assault after she intervened when a car was being driving erratically in Derry has said she and her partner have been overwhelmed with the support they’ve received.

Saoirse Smith and her partner Hollie Semple posted pictures on social media showing the injuries when they were attacked at Clon Daragh last Saturday.

Ms Smith lost two front teeth and suffered serious injuries to her mouth and chin requiring 22 stitches.

The couple, and another man, were attacked when they tried to stop a car driving in an erratic manner.

The images prompted a huge response on social media and responding on Facebook, Ms Smith said she and her partner were overwhelmed by the supportive comments.

Earlier this week Derry district judge Barney McElholm said if anyone is charged in connection with the assault, he would send the case direct to the Crown Court.

He was speaking during the case of Eoin McBrearty (19), of Rathkeele Way in Derry, who was brought before the city’s magistrate’s court charged with breaching bail.

A police officer told the court that a witness placed McBrearty in a car which was being driven erratically in the Clon Dara area.

The officer said when two young women remonstrated with the occupants, they were assaulted with one receiving 22 stitches.

The court heard that McBrearty was arrested in connection with offences and bailed.

It was claimed that he breached bail by not signing on with police and not residing at his address. He was also said to have breached bail by allegedly driving which he is prohibited from doing.

Judge McElholm described the incident in Clon Dara as “horrendous” and said he would refuse jurisdiction of the lower court if anyone was charged in connection with it.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said McBrearty had not caused the injuries and while his client would maintain that he was in the car and had exited from the driver’s door, he had not been driving.

Judge McElholm said that the two women had been doing their public duty.

He revoked bail and remanded McBrearty in custody to appear again on March 12.

John

Riot accused Paul McIntyre now charged with murder of Lyra McKee

Paul McIntyre, from Derry’s from Kinnego Park, appeared via video link from Maghaberry Prison.

The 52-year-old has been charged with the murder of Ms McKee, possession of a firearm and membership of a proscribed organisation, the IRA.

Ms McKee, who was 29, was observing rioting in Derry’s Creggan estate when she was shot on Thursday, April 18 last year.

McIntyre is currently awaiting trial on charges of rioting on the night of Ms McKee’s murder in Creggan.

Lyra McKee’s friends were present in court, and there was a police presence inside the building, but unlike Mr McIntyre’s previous appearance earlier this month, there were no protest outside the building.

Most of today’s hearing was taken up by a lengthy discussion between the prosecution and defence, which focussed on the images captured on the night Ms McKee was shot.

A police officer told the court that they believed a figure, who was seen picking up objects around the time of the journalist’s death was Mr McIntyre, and police said he had been identified from images captured earlier that day.

However, McIntyre’s defence solicitor, Derwin Harvey, vigorously opposed this, adding that the police were relying on an expert to create an “evidential link” between the two sets of images.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that while there was “universal condemnation” of Ms McKee’s murder, there was “no smoking gun” as such in the case, and that he would be releasing Mr McIntyre on bail.

The defendant was then seen to punch the air when the judge made his decision.

A prosecution barrister said that they would be appealing the decision in the High Court.

John

Man to face Derry Magistrates’ Court over disorderly behaviour in the city this week

He is to appear at Derry Magistrates’ Court today, Friday, February 28, for a first remand hearing.

As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

The charges are in connection with an incident in the Great James Street area of Derry on Wednesday evening, February 26.

John

POLICE in Strabane have charged three males aged 17, 22 and 32 with a number of offences.

These include possessing an offensive weapon and possessing an article with blade or point in a public place.

All three are due to appear at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court today, Friday, February 28.

As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the PPS.

The charges are in relation to a disturbance at a funeral on the Melmount Road in Strabane on Thursday.

A number of weapons were seized by police including machetes and tanley knives.

John

THREE men and a teenage boy have appeared in court after a ‘disturbance’ at a funeral in on Thursday.

Police seized hatchets, knives and other weapons after the service at a church on Melmount Road in Strabane.

The BBC reports that the men were given suspended prison sentences at Derry Magistrates’ Court on Friday after admitting charges linked to the disturbance.

The judge said had it not been for the “prompt action of the police there could have been a bloodbath”.

He described the incident, in which one group attending the funeral was attacked by another, as “disgraceful”.

It appeared the weapons seized by police were new and had been bought for the event, he added.

John Anthony Doherty, 32, of Riverside Caravan Park in Queensbury in Wales, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife and cocaine and driving without insurance or L-plates.

A police officer told the court that officers were on duty at the funeral in Strabane due to concerns about public order.

They stopped vehicles, one driven by Doherty, who told police he had a knife to repair fences and had forgotten about it.

He was sentenced to five months in prison suspended for three years, fined £425 and disqualified from driving for a year.

Gerry Stokes, 22, of Kearney Villas in Gulladuff, Co Derry, admitted possessing a meat cleaver.

A police officer told the court that Stokes was seen in the church car park discarding a meat cleaver under a parked vehicle.

When questioned by police, he claimed he had taken it from another person but refused to say who and added that he was getting rid of it in case someone got hurt.

The judge said what Stokes was claiming was “plausible” but that it was clear that “some people came armed to do serious harm to others”.

Stokes was sentenced to three months in prison suspended for a year.

Thomas Scully, 18, of Donegal Road in Ballybofey in Co Donegal was arrested before the funeral.

He was charged with being disorderly at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry and possessing a knife and a screwdriver in the early hours of Thursday.

The court was told that Scully was to have attended the funeral in Strabane but was in custody before it started.

He told police the screwdriver he had was for repairing kitchen cabinets and the knife was only in his possession because it was in the pocket of a jacket he had borrowed.

Scully pleaded guilty to the charges against him and was sentenced to three months in prison suspended for two years.

A 17-year-old boy was also charged with two counts of possessing an axe.

Bail was not opposed and the youth was released to appear again in court again on 20 March.

John

Riot accused Paul McIntyre charged with murder of Lyra McKee

Paul McIntyre, 52, from Kinnego Park in Derry, has been charged with the murder of Ms McKee, possession of a firearm and membership of a proscribed organisation, the IRA.

Ms McKee, who was 29, was observing rioting in Derry’s Creggan estate when she was shot on last April 18.

Mr McIntyre denies all charges.

On Monday, the High Court in Belfast heard Mr McIntyre is alleged to have told a former partner he was not responsible for the murder, but that it was the son of another member of a dissident republican group.

The details were revealed by the prosecution who are appealing against last week’s decision by Londonderry Magistrates’ Court to grant bail to Mr McIntyre.

Although Mr McIntyre was granted bail, he remains in custody, pending an appeal against the decision.

A prosecution lawyer said after Ms McKee was shot, Mr McIntyre told an ex-partner: “It wasn’t me. It was one of the members’ sons.”

The prosecution told the High Court, sitting at the Laganside courts complex, Mr McIntyre was identified as having been present at the incident by what he was wearing – namely a baseball cap, tracksuit trousers, markings on his trainers and by a bracelet.

The prosecution said at the time of the killing two PSNI officers identified Mr McIntyre by his build, height and gait, and 16 officers identified him earlier in the evening wearing the same clothes.

The prosecution alleged he was the man seen walking beside the gunman, and he was the man seen crouching down and picking up four cartridge cases from the gun.

They also said Mr McIntyre was then spotted leaving the scene with the gunman.

The prosecution is opposing bail on the grounds of the risk of further offences and also of the fear of the intimidation of witnesses.

Journalist Lyra McKee shot dead in Derry in Aprillast year by New IRA terrorists

The defence lawyer said last week’s granting of bail should stand and Mr McIntyre must be released.

He argued no prima facie case had been established on the charge of murder.

The appeal hearing continues.

John

Derry republican Paul McIntyre in in bail bid to be released over murder of Lyra McKee

Paul McIntyre, 52, from Derry’s Kinnego Park, is in custody charged with the murder of Ms McKee, possession of a firearm and membership of a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA.

The 29-year-old was observing rioting in Derry’s Creggan estate when she was shot dead on Thursday, April 18, 2019.

The New IRA later admitted responsibility for the murder.

McIntyre denies all charges he faces.

On Tuesday, a defence lawyer told the High Court in Belfast there was insufficient evidence to keep Mr McIntyre in custody.

The lawyer said a decision by the district judge at Derry Magistrates’ Court to grant him bail should be upheld.

On Monday, the High Court heard McIntyre was alleged to have told a former partner he was not responsible for the murder, but that the gunman was the son of another member of a dissident republican group.

Murdered journalist Lyra McKee shot dead in Derry in April last year by the New IRA

Mrs Justice Keegan said she would make her ruling later this week.

McIntyre is currently awaiting trial on charges of rioting on the night Ms McKee was shot dead.

John

Two teenagers to stand trial over murder of Piotr Krowka at a disused house in Maghera in April l2018

Appearing in court for a committal hearing were Caolan Michael Johnston (18), from The Fort in Maghera, and Adrian Kozack (19) from Craigmore Heights, also Maghera.

The teenagers are jointly accused of murdering Piotr Krowka in April 2018.

The body of the 36-year-old Polish national was found by police, who said he had suffered “a violent death”.

The pair stood side-by-side in the dock yesterday, each speaking only to confirm they understood the murder charge.

A prosecuting lawyer said there was a case to answer, which District Judge Oonagh Mullan agreed with.

Neither defendant called witnesses or gave evidence on their own behalf.

Judge Mullan remanded Johnston and Kozack on bail to appear for arraignment at Derry Crown Court next month.

John

Riot accused Paul McIntyre charged with murder of Lyra McKee

Paul McIntyre, 52, denies murdering Ms McKee in Derry’s Creggan estate on Thursday, April 18, last year, possessing a firearm and being a member of the New IRA.

He was originally granted bail by a district judge in Derry but was kept in custody pending the appeal by the PPS.

Today, Friday, March 7, a judge at Belfast High Court overruled the decision to grant bail.

Ms McKee, who was 29, was observing rioting in Derry’s Creggan estate when she was shot on 18 April 2019.

The Public Prosecution Service appealed the decision to grant bail to McIntyre, arguing there was a risk he could commit more offences if he was released.

The High Court judge determined that the risk of re-offending was enough to justify keeping Mr McIntyre in prison.

She said: “The factors outlined by the prosecution are relevant, sufficient and plausible reasons to outweigh the other factors and justify detention.”

McIntyre, from Kinnego Park in Derry, watched Friday’s judgment by video link from Maghaberry prison.

He is currently awaiting trial on charges of rioting on the night Ms McKee was shot dead by the New IRA.

John

A MAN shot and wounded on Bloody Sunday was allegedly humiliated by a soldier threatening to put another bullet in him, the High Court has heard.

Lawyers for Patsy O’Donnell’s family claimed one of the British paratroopers grabbed him by the hair and told colleagues: “Chaps, there will be blood flowing tonight”.

Aged 40 when he was shot in the shoulder by the soldier during the events in Derry in January 1972, Mr O’Donnell died in 2006.

Relatives of the father-of-six are suing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the injuries and damages inflicted on him.

Thirteen unarmed people were killed during a civil rights march in the city.

A 14th person wounded on the day died later of his injuries.

In 2010 the Saville Inquiry into the shootings established the innocence of all of the victims.

Those findings led to David Cameron, the British Prime Minister at the time, issuing a public apology for the soldiers’ actions.

He described the killings as “unjustified and unjustifiable”.

Liability is accepted in legal actions taken against the MoD by those bereaved or injured.

Proceedings instead centre on the level of damages in each case, with more than £3 million in total paid out to date.

Opening the claim on behalf of Mr O’Donnell, Karen Quinlivan QC said he had been shot while taking cover at Glenfada Park North.

He was arrested with other civilians and escorted to Columbcille Court, the court heard, where he was photographed and struggled to assume a search position due to his injuries.

“He describes a soldier pulling his head back by the hair and saying to him ‘You are a Fenian b****** and I hate Fenian b*******’,” Mr Quinlivan alleged.

“He also said ‘You have a bullet in you and when we get you down to the barracks you’ll have another one in you. You mark my words’.

“The same soldier said to other soldiers ‘Chaps, there will be blood flowing tonight’.”

Arguing that he must have been terrified, counsel added: “Despite his injuries, soldiers instead of seeking medical attention for Mr O’Donnell subjected him to violence and further humiliation.”

Following his release from hospital, he was unable to return to his job with an asphalt company for up to eight months.

It was claimed that he was frequently stopped by soldiers and police, and had his home raised, after Bloody Sunday.

His work as a roofing contractor was also allegedly frustrated by being detained during trips across the border into Co Donegal.

“Patsy O’Donnell regarded his identification with Bloody Sunday as a life-long burden,” Ms Quinlivan contended.

“It led to his being harassed by the Army and police.”

In a statement to the Saville Inquiry before he died at the age of 74, Mr O’Donnell said: “I do, however, still feel bitter about what happened me and the fact that I am probably classed by some people as a gunman and am under suspicion for doing something wrong.

“I am not and have never been involved in that sort of thing. I hope that this Inquiry will get to the truth.”

Objecting to the harassment allegations, David Ringland QC argued that the issue was being raised for the first time as the case opened.

Mr Justice McAlinden adjourned the action to allow time to deal with the new part of the claim.

He said: “This is an unfortunate outcome for all concerned, for the family of the deceased.

“But it’s a matter which needs to be properly addressed and looked at.”

John

Emma de Souza in Washington DC

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar singled out Emma DeSouza during an address to an audience, which included US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and British Secretary of State Brandon Lewis, at the National Building Museum for praise.

Ms DeSouza lodged a challenge in the Court of Appeal in Belfast in November, following a ruling that those born in the region are automatically British citizens.

She won a case against the Home Office in 2017, after it deemed she was British, when her US-born husband Jake applied for a residence card.

But in October an immigration tribunal upheld an appeal brought by the Home Office.

Government lawyers argued that people born in the North of Ireland are British citizens according to the 1981 British Nationality Act, even if they identify as Irish.

The Good Friday Agreement allows people to identify as British, Irish or both, but the Home Office says the agreement did not supersede the 1981 British Nationality Act.

Mr Varadkar told the US audience: “The Good Friday Agreement protects the citizenship and identity rights of all those born in Northern Ireland and includes the right of people to identify as British or Irish or both.”

He went on to pledge his support.

“Emma, we support you in your fight. It is a fight for the spirit, not just the letter, of the Good Friday Agreement,” he added.

Ms DeSouza said she has been receiving a warm welcome in Washington DC.

She has been campaigning in the United States for support over the last two months to put pressure on the UK Government to change its nationality laws.

“It was a great honour and privilege to be invited as a guest to the Ireland Funds Gala where an Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, made an unexpected statement in support of our campaign to protect the identity and citizenship provisions of the Good Friday Agreement,” she said.

“As an Irish citizen it was an especially poignant moment, my grandmother in particular will be absolutely made up by this show of support.

“I’m deeply heartened and encouraged to have the full support of the Irish Government as we continue with our legal challenge for the right to be accepted as Irish under the Good Friday Agreement.

“And I had the opportunity to thank the Taoiseach for his support and ongoing efforts to protect the Good Friday Agreement.

“It was definitely a pinch me moment.”

She added: “I’ve received an incredibly warm welcome in the US, who remain steadfast in protecting the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts.

“My message here is that this is an implementation failure, there is no mention of the unique identity and citizenship provisions of the Good Friday Agreement in domestic UK law.

“Instead of addressing this implementation gap the British Government has sought to reinterpret its obligations so as to minimise the scope and intent of a fundamental provision of the agreement itself.”

John