Northern Ireland

Lyra McKee witnesses 'may be too scared to come forward' if accused are released on bail

Christopher Gillen leaving an earlier court hearing. Picture by Niall Carson/PA Wire.
Christopher Gillen leaving an earlier court hearing. Picture by Niall Carson/PA Wire. Christopher Gillen leaving an earlier court hearing. Picture by Niall Carson/PA Wire.

POTENTIAL witnesses to the killing of journalist Lyra McKee may be too scared to come forward if two men accused of rioting on the night she died are released, the High Court heard today.

Prosecutors said tensions remain high in the part of Derry where she was shot, with graffiti warning that police informers will be "executed".

The claim was made as one of those allegedly involved in disorder in the Creggan estate on April 18 applied for bail.

Christopher Gillen (39) from Balbane Pass in the city, faces charges of rioting, petrol bomb offences, and the hijacking and arson of a tipper truck.

The allegations against him relate to street disturbances where police were attacked.

Lyra McKee who was shot dead while observing rioting in Derry
Lyra McKee who was shot dead while observing rioting in Derry Lyra McKee who was shot dead while observing rioting in Derry

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

Gillen is not charged with any offences directly connected to the 29-year-old's killing.

But Crown lawyer Iryna Kennedy claimed CCTV footage links him to the general disturbances through clothing worn by one of the suspected rioters.

Opposing Gillen's bid to secure bail to an address four miles away, she said tensions are still running high in the Creggan amid fears of intimidation.

The court heard that an appeal by Ms McKee's partner, Sara Canning, for witnesses to her shooting led to graffiti in the area threatening consequences for those who co-operate.

Mrs Kennedy contended that it would be "insensitive" for Gillen to be allowed to live at the proposed location.

Lord Justice McCloskey was also told Gillen is allegedly associated with the dissident republican-linked group Saoradh. This claim however was strongly denied by his barrister.

However, defence barrister Sean Doherty stressed Gillen strongly denies any assertion that he has ties to the New IRA.

Following submissions the bail application was adjourned.