Arrangements made for McKee family to attend hearing remotely

However, District Judge Ted Magill said that there may be ‘stumbles in the road yet’ because holding hearings of this kind remotely is ‘unknown territory’ for the court.

Paul McIntyre (52), of Kinnego Park, is charged with the murder of Lyra McKee, possessing a firearm with intent, and belonging to a proscribed organisation.

He is further charged, along with 39-year-old Christopher Gillen, of Balbane Pass, with throwing and possessing petrol bombs, hijacking, arson and rioting on April 18, last year.

Derry Magistrates’ Court heard that arrangements had been made with police for family members of both Miss McKee and the defendants to view the proceedings, which are currently listed for June 15, remotely.

A prosecutor said arrangements for four police witnesses to give evidence via live link is now objected to by the defence for McIntyre.

The prosecutor applied for these arrangements to remain in place, however, said the officers would attend in person if that was the decision of the court.

Mark Mulholland QC, defending McIntyre, said the most ‘pressing matter’ for the defence at the current time is a request made by his client to access video link within Roe House, where he is currently remanded in Maghaberry Prison.

Mr. Mulholland said there are currently no cases of COVID-19 in Roe House and the prisoners there are ‘very anxious that no one goes out and comes back in again to keep it that way’.

The barrister said his client’s application had been refused by the prison and they have asked the authorities there to set out the reasons for this by Monday.

He added that the matter may ultimately be the subject of a judicial review.

Mr. Mulholland said McIntyre is ‘very anxious’ for the hearing to proceed and wants to be able to ‘participate as effectively as he can’.

He asked for the case to be adjourned until the response from the prison service is received.

Judge Magill agreed to review the matter again on June 10.

Meanwhile, an application to vary Gillen’s bail conditions to allow him to return to live in Creggan was refused.

Gillen is currently permitted to enter Creggan to visit his family, but must live with his parents outside the estate.

Judge Magill said he was not satisfied the application was ‘appropriate at this time’.