You are viewing content from Gaydio Birmingham. Would you like to make this your preferred location?

Three Men accused of Lyra McKee killing in 2019 are found not guilty after lengthy non-jury trial

Friday, 3 July 2026 at 15:42

Three men have been found not guilty of the 2019 murder of 29-year-old LGBTQ+ journalist Lyra McKee in a Northern Ireland court ruling today.

Paul Mcintyre, 56; Peter Cavanaagh, 35; and Jordan Devine, 23, all of Londonderry, were all handed not guilty verdicts by Judge Mrs Justice Smyth during the non-jury trial. The men were first charged in 2023.

Peter Cavanagh, Jordan Gareth Devine and Paul McIntyre. Pic: PA

Prosecutors said that all three men had assisted and/or encouraged the gunman, all three men denied the charge as well as a number of others which included possession of the handgun, which was recovered by Police Investigators three days later.

Days after her killing, the self-styled New IRA admitted responsibility for the incident, saying she was "tragically killed while standing beside enemy forces".

Lyra, who was Sky News Young Journalist of the year in 2006, was described as a “a hero to many in the LGBT Community” had written a letter to my 14-year-old self, in it she talked about facing challenging times at school and the moment she came out as gay to her mother.

More from GAYDIO NEWS

EXCLUSIVE: Bethany Antonia says she felt ‘devastated’ after BBC censored her ‘Protect the Dolls’ T-shirt

Strictly Come Dancing star Bethany Antonia says she felt “devastated” after the BBC digitally removed the ‘Protect the Dolls’ slogan from her T-shirt, telling Gaydio she had “no sympathy or understanding” for the decision.
Good Law Project challenges ‘gay tax’ on NHS IVF

A legal challenge has been launched over NHS fertility rules that can force female same-sex couples to spend thousands of pounds on private treatment before becoming eligible for funded IVF.
Ella Morgan pays touching tribute to Brianna Ghey at Pride of Britain Awards

Ella Morgan walked the Pride of Britain red carpet in a custom cherry blossom dress honouring Brianna Ghey, with Brianna's mum Esther alongside her, as Esther is recognised for her online safety campaigning.
Glee is officially coming back as Disney+ and Hulu order a reboot

Disney+ and Hulu have ordered a Glee reboot from 20th Television. No cast or producers are named yet, but co-creator Ryan Murphy says he has finished a script and been in touch with about 10 of the original stars.
Why should you care about International Pronouns Day?

Today (21st October) marks International Pronouns Day! Here's why sharing and respecting pronouns matters, what the research says about misgendering, and one easy thing you can do today.
Blacktober Fest: Drag Race star, DJs till 3am and a big Black queer party in London

UK Black Pride's Blacktober Fest hits London's Colour Factory tomorrow. A Drag Race star headlines, DJs play until 3am, and Lady Phyll says it's about celebrating Black history and being seen.