Date set for non-jury trial linked to Lyra murder weapon

By Q Radio news

A date was today (Wednesday) set for a non-jury trial centering on the gun used to kill journalist Lyra McKee.

Ms McKee (29) lost her life after she was shot whilst observing rioting in the Creggan area of Derry on April 18, 2019.

A Derry man has already been charged with, and has denied, two offences linked to the alleged murder weapon.

He will stand trial on the two charges later this year, after Belfast Recorder Judge Stephen Fowler QC set the date for the hearing as Wednesday November 17, 2021.

A date's been set for the trial of a man accused of offences linked to the gun used to kill journalist Lyra McKee. The non- jury trial is expected to get underway in Derry/Londonderry on November the18th and could last six days.

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 30, 2021

Niall Sheerin, from Tyrconnell Street in Derry, faces a charge of possessing firearms and ammunition - namely a .22 calibre Hammerli self loading pistol,  magazine and a quantity of .22 calibre cartridges - with intent to endanger life on dates between September 22, 2018 and June 6, 2020.

The 28-year has also been charged with possessing the same items between the same dates in suspicious circumstances.

At a previous hearing, it was alleged Sheerin was "a quartermaster who stored and cared for the gun used to murder journalist Lyra McKee."

Defence barrister Keiran Mallon QC told Judge Fowler he anticipated "considerable witness agreement" between the Crown and defence in the case and spoke of "a forensic issue" which he said will require an expert report.

Mr Mallon also said he estimated the trial will last up to six days.

After a Crown barrister confirmed there were no outstanding issues from the Prosecution's position, Judge Fowler set the date for trial as Wednesday November 17.

The Judge said he would review the case again on September 2 and expressed the hope the witnesses will have been agreed and the forensic issue will be resolved by that date.

(Image of the gunman who fired the shot that killed Lyra McKee)