Lyra murder trial hears 'Saoradh WhatsApp' messages

Journalist Lyra McKee was 29 when she died after being struck by a bullet while observing rioting in Creggan in April 2019

Details of messages relating to the death of Lyra McKee in a "Saoradh group chat" on WhatsApp have been heard at the journalist's murder trial.

The 29-year-old was observing a riot in the Creggan estate in Londonderry in April 2019 when she was fatally shot.

The New IRA admitted responsibility for her murder.

Three men from Derry are on trial at Belfast Crown Court accused of her murder - Jordan Devine, 23, of Bishop Street; Paul McIntyre, 56, of Kells Walk; and Peter Cavanagh, 35, of Mary Street.

From left, Jordan Devine, Peter Cavanagh and Paul McIntyre are all accused of the murder of Lyra McKee

Seven other men, also all from Derry, are on trial on charges which include rioting and throwing petrol bombs.

They are: Joseph Barr, 36, of Sandringham Drive; Jude Coffey, 26, of Gartan Square; William Elliott, 57, of Ballymagowan Gardens; Joseph Campbell, 23, of Gosheden Cottages; Patrick Gallagher, 32, of John Field Place; Christopher Gillen, 43, of Balbane Pass, and Kieran McCool, 55, of Ballymagowan Gardens.

All 10 defendants have denied the charges against them.

WhatsApp messages heard

On Thursday the non-jury trial heard evidence from a mobile phone which was examined after Ms McKee's death.

A constable from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) cybercrime unit who examined the Samsung mobile was asked about the messages in a "Saoradh group chat" on the message service WhatsApp sent the morning after Ms McKee died.

It is the Crown's case that some of the defendants, including Mr McIntyre, as well as other men not before the court, are members of the group.

The constable said the owner of the mobile, who is not before the court, sent a message at about 09:23 on 19 April 2019.

It said: "Something needs to go up for the journalist who died, sympathy statement or something."

It also urged others to "not react" to messages which implied the group did not care about Ms McKee.

The court heard that message was then sent a short time later by a man called Paddy Brexit - who the Crown argues is Mr Gallagher.

It read: "This outcome is heartbreaking and we extend our sincerest sympathy to the family, friends and loves ones of the deceased."

The constable said this message contained a reference to the organisation's website and a pathway to the statement about Ms McKee's death.

DNA found on burnt clothing

The court also heard evidence of Mr Cavanagh's DNA being found on a burned out garment close to where an abandoned car was found.

The Vauxhall Mokka was hijacked on Central Drive by several masked men shortly after the shots were fired.

The vehicle, as well as an item of burned clothing, was found close by in Cromore Gardens.

It is argued this item was consistent with a jacket worn by Mr Cavanagh at the riot.

A DNA expert told the court that Mr Cavanagh's DNA was found after the remains of a zip was tested.

However, his barrister Mr John Kearney KC questioned if it was possible to determine how it was deposited on the item.

Mr Kearney asked: "You don't know how or when the DNA got on this zip?"

"That's correct," the expert replied.

The trial continues.