No bail for man accused of rioting on night Lyra McKee was shot

A man accused of rioting in Derry on the night journalist Lyra McKee was shot dead must remain in custody, the High Court in Belast has ruled.

Paul McIntyre (51), was refused bail amid prosecution claims that people are too scared to provide information to police investigating events surrounding the shooting on April 18th.

A judge was told graffiti in the Creggan area where Ms McKee was killed warns “any RUC touts will be shot”.

Mr McIntyre, of Ballymagowan Park in the city, is one of two men charged with rioting, petrol bomb offences, and the arson of a tipper truck on April 18th. The allegations against him relate to disorder in the area when police came under attack by stones, petrol bombs and other missiles.

Four vehicles were hijacked during unrest said to have been orchestrated and led by members of the New IRA.

A number of shots were also fired by an unidentified gunman, one of which fatally wounded Ms McKee.

Mr McIntyre is not charged with any offences directly connected to her killing. But a Crown lawyer claimed he can be linked to the general disturbances through clothing and jewellery worn by one of the rioters.

Frightened

Footage obtained from an MTV documentary crew shows Mr McIntyre wearing a silver bracelet while in the offices of dissident republican-linked group Saoradh earlier that day, the court heard. One of the masked men later seen carrying and throwing petrol bombs at police lines is wearing the same type of clothes and bracelet, it was alleged.

Opposing bail, counsel cited the potential for interference with the ongoing investigation. Although more than 140 video clips have been received through a major incident public portal, no witnesses have emerged.

“Police say they believe people are frightened and won’t come forward,” the prosecutor said. “Historically it’s been difficult for members of the community, given the intimidation that has occurred in the area, and the graffiti is part of that same intimidation process.”

Mr McIntyre’s lawyer stressed there was no allegation that he is linked to any threatening slogans or attempts to interfere with witnesses. He also described the case against his client for the rioting charges as “weak”.

The barrister argued: “It relates to features seen on video footage that could be shared by hundreds, if not thousands, of people in the Derry area in respect of clothing and something sparkling on a wrist.”

Refusing bail for Mr McIntyre to return to live in the same area where the disorder occurred, Mr Justice Horner highlighted the threats to prospective witnesses. “At the minute I consider the proper decision is to continue to hold the applicant in custody.”